US20070196183A1 - Friction stabilizer with tabs - Google Patents
Friction stabilizer with tabs Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070196183A1 US20070196183A1 US11/633,907 US63390706A US2007196183A1 US 20070196183 A1 US20070196183 A1 US 20070196183A1 US 63390706 A US63390706 A US 63390706A US 2007196183 A1 US2007196183 A1 US 2007196183A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubular body
- tabs
- tab
- gap space
- friction stabilizer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000005097 cold rolling Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 abstract description 10
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229910000851 Alloy steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910001335 Galvanized steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000008397 galvanized steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001066 destructive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007429 general method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
- E21D21/00—Anchoring-bolts for roof, floor in galleries or longwall working, or shaft-lining protection
- E21D21/0026—Anchoring-bolts for roof, floor in galleries or longwall working, or shaft-lining protection characterised by constructional features of the bolts
- E21D21/004—Bolts held in the borehole by friction all along their length, without additional fixing means
Definitions
- Cave-ins are a constant threat associated with underground mining operations. It is difficult to predict when and where a cave-in will occur. Typically, workers are provided with little or no warning prior to a cave-in, and thus they have a minimal amount of time to react to a cave-in. Indeed, mine walls or ceilings that appear fine upon visual inspection may have significant fractures just below their surfaces, making them structurally weak and prone to collapse. Cave-ins are very destructive and may result in miners becoming trapped and/or injured. Additionally, equipment and machinery may be damaged or destroyed.
- Friction type stabilizers have been used in mining operations to stabilize walls and ceilings of the mine. Such stabilizers are pounded into bores drilled in mine walls and ceilings. The stabilizers form a friction fit with the drilled bore. But, these stabilizers may slide out of the drilled bores when the rock wall or ceiling shifts/moves, and in such situations the stabilizers are unable to prevent a mine wall or ceiling cave-in.
- the friction stabilizer with tabs is used to secure the walls and ceilings of mines to thus prevent a cave-in from occurring.
- the friction stabilizer with tabs comprises a hollow body, preferably tubular.
- the tubular body comprises an impact end, an insertion end, a first portion and a second portion.
- the second portion has a notch and is tapered.
- the tubular body has an interior and an exterior surface, and tabs are connected to and extend from the tubular body.
- the tabs extend in a direction leading away from the insertion end of the tubular body and in a direction leading towards the impact end of the tubular body.
- the tabs each make an acute angle with the exterior surface of the tubular body.
- the tabs can be rectangular shaped and there can be three such tabs extending from the exterior surface of the tubular body.
- Each rectangular shaped tab further comprises parallel tab side edges and a tab free edge connecting between the tab side edges.
- the tabs may be triangular shaped tabs, curved shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, and combinations of the above.
- the tabs can be of any shape that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer with tabs from the drilled bore in a mine. The above-described tabs are punched into the sheet from which the tubular body is formed by a punching machine, thus they are joined to the tubular body at bends.
- the tubular body further comprises a first gap space wall and a second gap space wall spaced apart from one another by a tube gap space.
- the tube gap space is used for allowing the tubular body to be compressed radially inward when the tubular body is driven into a drilled bore in a mine having, the drilled bore having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the tubular body.
- the friction stabilizer further comprises a weld ring having a weld ring gap space, and the weld ring is joined to the tubular body such that the weld ring gap space and tube gap space are aligned.
- the weld ring is joined to the exterior surface of the first portion of the tubular body at the impact end of the tubular body by, for example, a weld.
- the weld ring gap space is used for allowing the weld ring to be compressed radially inward.
- the weld ring can have a rectangular cross section or a circular cross section.
- a friction stabilizer for installation in a structural body has a tubular body comprising a first portion a bent portion and a second portion with and the bent portion joining the first portion and second portion.
- the first portion has an extendable tab and a joining portion joins the extendable tab and the tubular body such that the extendable tab is proximal the bent portion.
- the friction stabilizer also has a tube gap space and an opening diametrically opposite the tube gap space, such that the extendable tab extends from the joining portion into the opening.
- the extendable tab is diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
- the tubular body is movable from an uncompressed position to a compressed position, such that when in the tubular body is in the uncompressed position the extendable tab is partly positioned in the opening.
- the tubular body also has an exterior surface and when in the uncompressed position the extendable tab is elevated a minimal amount relative to the surrounding exterior surface of the tubular body.
- the extendable tab extends outward from the tubular body when the tubular body is in the compressed position, for example when hammered into a drilled bore.
- the friction stabilizer includes an insertion end and an opposed impact end with a weld ring having a weld ring gap space joined to the impact end, such that the weld ring gap space is diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
- the extendable tab extends in a direction toward the impact end and away from the insertion end.
- the friction stabilizer can have another extendable tab proximal the extendable tab and positioned diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
- the extendable tab can be rectangular or have any suitable geometric shape.
- Either embodiment of the friction stabilizer is made by similar processes.
- the process begins by providing a coil of metal and unrolling the coil of metal into a strip, followed by pressing the shape of the tab or extendable tab to be formed into the strip of metal.
- the strip is moved through cold rolling dies, and in one embodiment the strip is rolled into a tubular body having a tube gap space such that the tabs extend from the tubular body.
- the strip is rolled into a tubular body having a tube gap space and an exterior surface such that the extendable tab is elevated a minimal amount relative to the exterior surface and is diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
- the method also includes providing a weld ring having a weld ring gap space and welding the weld ring to the impact end of the tubular body.
- a drilled bore is made in the wall or ceiling of the mine.
- the wall is sufficiently solid and of sufficient thickness to accommodate a bore of sufficient length, and the drilled bore has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the tubular body.
- a support plate having an opening is provided, the opening being sized such that the tubular body can pass through the opening.
- the opening in the plate is aligned with the drilled bore.
- the tapered end of the tubular body is aligned with and inserted through the opening in the plate and into the drilled bore so that the taper of the tubular body is received in the drilled bore.
- a pneumatic or hydraulic hammer or some other means for hammering is used for pounding or driving the stabilizer with tabs into the drilled bore.
- the tabs move or flex inwardly towards the exterior surface of the tubular body. This allows the friction stabilizer with tabs to be hammered into the drilled bore without the tabs impeding movement.
- the plate becomes trapped between the weld ring and the surrounding ceiling or wall of the mine, as the case may be. Additionally, the tubular body compresses and the gap space distance decreases as the friction stabilizer is driven into the drilled bore.
- the use of the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab is the same the friction stabilizer is hammered into a drilled bore. However, as the friction stabilizer is hammered into the drilled bore, it moves from an uncompressed position to a compressed position. As this occurs, the extendable tab moves away from the exterior surface of the tubular body and extends outward and into the surrounding drilled bore. The extendable tab is positioned deep in the drilled bore after hammering, which advantageously provides the friction stabilizer with increased axial load carrying capacity.
- FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the friction stabilizer having tabs.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the friction stabilizer having tabs.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the friction stabilizer having tabs.
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the friction stabilizer having tabs.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the friction stabilizer having tabs taken along cut line 5 - 5 .
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the friction stabilizer having tabs taken along cut line 6 - 6 .
- FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the strip of steel used to manufacture the friction stabilizer having tabs.
- FIG. 8 shows a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs.
- FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs.
- FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs taken along cut line 11 - 11 in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs taken along cut line 12 - 12 in FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 13 shows a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 14 shows a side elevational view of the third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 15 shows a top plan view of the third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of a third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 16 - 16 in FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 17 - 17 in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 18 shows a bottom plan view of a fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 19 shows a side elevational view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 20 shows a top plan view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 21 shows a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 21 - 21 in FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 22 shows a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 22 - 22 in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 23 shows a bottom plan view of a fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 24 shows a side elevational view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 25 shows a top plan view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 26 shows a cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 26 - 26 in FIG. 25 .
- FIG. 27 shows a cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 27 - 27 in FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 27A shows a top plan view of a of a sixth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs having a plurality of differently shaped tabs.
- FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view of the manufacturing process used for manufacturing the friction stabilizer with tabs.
- FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the weld ring having a circular shaped cross section.
- FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along cut line 30 - 30 in FIG. 29 of the weld ring having a circular shaped cross section.
- FIG. 30 a is a view, partly in section, of the circular weld ring and tubular body joined together with a weld.
- FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the weld ring having a rectangular shaped cross section.
- FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken along cut line 32 - 32 in FIG. 31 of the weld ring having a rectangular shaped cross section.
- FIG. 32 a is a view, partly in section, of the rectangular weld ring and tubular body joined together with a weld.
- FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the planar plate.
- FIG. 34 is a sectional view of the planar plate taken along cut line 34 - 34 in FIG. 33 .
- FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the domed plate.
- FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the domed plate taken along cut line 36 - 36 in FIG. 35 .
- FIG. 37 is a sectional view of a mine showing friction stabilizers having tabs deployed in the mine.
- FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of a seventh embodiment of the friction stabilizer having an extendable tab.
- FIG. 39 is a front elevational view of the of the seventh embodiment of the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab.
- FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the seventh embodiment of the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab.
- FIG. 41 is a is a sectional view of the seventh embodiment taken along cut line cut line 41 - 41 as shown in FIG. 40 .
- FIG. 42 is a sectional view of the seventh embodiment taken along cut-line 42 - 42 as shown in FIG. 38 .
- FIG. 43 is a sectional view of a mine showing the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab.
- FIG. 44 shows an enlarged view, partly in section, of FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic view of the manufacturing process used for manufacturing the friction stabilizer with extendable tabs.
- FIGS. 1-6 Shown generally in FIGS. 1-6 is the friction stabilizer 20 with tabs 25 .
- FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 .
- the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 comprises a tubular body 22 having tabs 25 extending therefrom.
- the tubular body 22 is elongate and has a first portion 33 and a second portion 34 .
- the second portion 34 is formed integral joined to the first portion 33 , and the second portion 34 has a taper 35 .
- the tubular body 22 has an impact end 30 and an insertion end 32 that are spaced from one another by the length, designated L in FIG. 4 , of the tubular body 22 .
- the taper 34 extends from the insertion end 32 in a direction toward the impact end 30 , until it reaches the first portion 33 .
- the tubular body 22 may comprise a total length L of about sixty inches, about four inches of which comprise the second portion 34 having the taper 35 .
- the tubular body 22 further comprises an interior surface 24 and an exterior surface 26 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 .
- the interior surface 24 defines a stabilizer interior 23 internal to the tubular body 22 .
- the tubular body 22 has a first gap space wall 27 and a second gap space wall 29 which are spaced apart from one another.
- the first and second gap space walls 27 , 29 respectively, extend along the length L of the tubular body 22 , from the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 to the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 .
- the first and second gap space walls, 27 , 29 respectively, define a tube gap space 28 between them, that extends in the direction of the of the longitudinal axis, designate X in FIG. 2 , of the tubular body 22 .
- the tube gap space 28 extends along the length L of the body 22 , from the impact end 30 to the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 .
- the tube gap space 28 defined between the first and second gap space walls 27 , 29 is used for allowing tubular body 22 to be compressed radially inward.
- the diameter designated D in FIG. 5 of the tubular body 22 decreases when the tubular body 22 is driven into a drilled bore 50 formed in a wall 52 or ceiling 54 of a mine 56 , as shown in FIG. 37 .
- the drilled bore 50 has a bore diameter 51 , designated B in FIG. 37 , that is less than the diameter D of the tubular body 22 .
- a notch 36 is defined in the taper 35 of the second portion 34 of the tubular body 22 .
- the notch 36 allows the taper 35 to be formed in the tubular body 22 at the insertion end 32 thereof when the tubular body 22 is being rolled.
- the taper 35 is used for allowing the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 to be initially fitted or inserted into the drilled bore 50 . After the taper 35 is fitted into the drilled bore 50 , the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 can be pounded causing the tubular body 22 to move into the drilled bore 50 .
- the tubular body 20 comprises tabs 25 that extend from the exterior surface 26 in a direction toward the impact end 30 of the tubular body 20 , and away from the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 .
- the tabs 25 work against the removal of the tubular body 22 from a drilled bore 50 in a mine 56 .
- the tabs 25 advantageously decrease the likelihood of a mine 56 cave-in, as will be described presently.
- the tabs 25 are embodied to be rectangular shaped tabs 40 .
- the first rectangular shaped tab 40 is positioned closest to the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22
- the third rectangular shaped tab 40 c is positioned farthest from the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the second rectangular shaped tab 40 b is positioned between the first and second rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 c, respectively.
- the first, second, and third rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c respectively, are punched out of, laser cut, or otherwise formed in the tubular body 22 , in a method to be described presently.
- the first, second, and third rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c extend outward from the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 .
- Each rectangular shaped tab 40 a, 40 b, 40 c comprises two parallel tab side edges 43 and a tab free edge 45 that extends between the tab side edges 43 , as shown in FIG. 7 , which is a top plan view of the flat strip of metal 102 from which the tubular body 22 is formed.
- the tab side edges 43 and tab free edges 45 are shown in FIGS. 1, 6 , and 7 . It is noted that the tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c shown throughout FIGS. 1-6 are structurally the same.
- Each of the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, is joined to the tubular body 22 along a bend 44 , with the bend being opposite the tab free edge 45 .
- the bends 44 are closer to the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 than the tab free edge 45 .
- Each of the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, makes an acute angle with the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c extend in a direction leading away from the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 , 30 and in a direction leading toward the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, are spaced apart from one another along the tubular body 22 , and are formed in the tubular body 22 such that they are opposite to the tube gap space 28 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- there are openings 48 as shown in FIG. 2 , in the tubular body 22 under the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, where they extend from the exterior surface 26 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c bend inward along their bends 44 in a direction toward the openings 48 in the tubular body 22 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c move back into the tubular body 22 from which they were punched, and thus they do not impede the tubular body 22 from being pounded into the drilled bore 50 in the wall 52 or ceiling 54 of the mine 56 , as shown in FIG. 37 .
- the tubular body 22 advantageously remains in place and supports the mine wall 52 or ceiling 54 , since the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, resist removal from the drilled bore 50 and dig into the surrounding rock. This is due to the fact that the natural spring constant of the first, second, and third rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, respectively, forces them to dig into the drilled bore 50 .
- the three rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, are spaced along a tubular body 22 about sixty inches long such that the first tab 40 a is about four inches from the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 , the second tab 40 b is about fourteen inches from the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 , and the third tab 40 c is about twenty-four inches from the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, can be sized such that the tab side edges 43 are about 0.5 inches long, and the tab free edge 45 is about 1.0 inch.
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c, respectively, advantageously provide for a stabilizer 20 that, when installed in a mine, can support greater loads than stabilizers having smooth exterior surfaces.
- the dimensions may differ in other embodiments.
- the friction stabilizer 20 further includes a weld ring 31 that in one embodiment is rectangular shaped, that is, its cross section is rectangular shaped as shown in FIGS. 31, 32 , and 32 a.
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 has a weld ring gap space 39 and flat sides 31 a.
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 is positioned around exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 adjacent to the impact end 30 thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 .
- the weld ring gap space 39 is aligned with the tube gap space 28 defined in the tubular body 22 .
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 is welded to the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 .
- the weld 49 that joins the tubular body 22 and rectangular shaped weld ring 31 is best shown in FIG. 5 . It is noted that the weld ring gap space 39 and tube gap space 28 allow for the tubular body 22 to be compressed as it is driven into the drilled bore 50 having a bore diameter 51 less than the diameter of the tubular body 22 .
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 is used for supporting a plate 58 in a manner to be described presently.
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 and the tubular body 22 can be welded together, without the tube gap space 28 and weld ring gap space 39 being aligned.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the tubular body 22 taken along cut line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the tubular body 22 taken along cut line 6 - 6 of FIG. 3 .
- a circular shaped weld ring 37 having a circular shaped cross section can be successfully used in accordance with the present invention.
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 having a rectangular shaped cross section advantageously provides for a higher quality weld. This is due to the fact that a space 38 can form during the welding process under the weld 49 that joins the circular shaped weld ring 37 and the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 , as shown in FIG. 30 a.
- the weld gun must be accurately positioned.
- the majority of the weld 49 can end up on the circular shaped weld ring 37 or on the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 .
- the weld 49 may end up catching only one of the circular shaped weld ring 37 or exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 , and/or a space 38 may be formed under the weld 49 as shown in FIG. 30 a.
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 shown in FIGS. 31, 32 , and 32 a advantageously has flat sides 31 a.
- a high quality weld 49 can be made between the flat surfaces 31 a of the rectangular shaped weld ring 31 and exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 , even in the presence of the vibrations generated by the welding machines.
- FIGS. 8-12 generally show a second embodiment of the friction stabilizer 20 a having rectangular shaped tabs 40 .
- the tubular body 22 a of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the tubular body 22 of the first embodiment, in that the tubular body 22 a comprises an exterior surface 26 , first and second gap space walls 27 , 29 , respectively, a tube gap space 28 , an impact end 30 , an insertion end 32 , a rectangular weld ring 31 having a weld ring gap space 39 , a first portion 33 , and a second portion 34 having a taper 35 having a notch 36 .
- Each rectangular tab 40 of the second embodiment has parallel tab side edges 43 and a tab free edge 45 .
- the second embodiment comprises a row 128 of rectangular shaped tabs 40 that are joined to the tubular body 22 a at bends 44 , and which are spaced from one another at predetermined spaced intervals, designated I in FIG. 9 , along the length L of the tubular body 22 a. It is noted that the row 128 extends from the side of the tubular body 22 a opposite the tube gap space 28 . As shown in FIGS. 8-10 , there are five rectangular shaped tabs 40 in the row 128 . Of course, in other embodiments, the row of tabs 128 may comprise fewer or more than five rectangular shaped tabs 40 .
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the tubular body of the second embodiment taken along cut line 11 - 11 of FIG. 10
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the tubular body of the second embodiment taken along cut line 12 - 12 taken of FIG. 8
- the tubular body 22 a can be used for supporting the walls 52 and ceiling 54 of a mine 56 in the same manner as previously described in connection with the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 13-17 generally show a third embodiment of the friction stabilizer 20 b with tabs.
- the tubular body 22 b comprises triangular shaped tabs 41 .
- the tubular body 22 b of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the tubular body 22 of the first embodiment, in that the tubular body 22 b comprises an exterior surface 26 , first and second gap space walls 27 , 29 , respectively, a tube gap space 28 , an impact end 30 , insertion end 32 , a rectangular weld ring 31 having a weld ring gap space 39 , a first portion 33 , and a second portion 34 having a taper 35 having a notch.
- Each triangular shaped tab 41 of the third embodiment has two edges 46 that meet at a point 47 , thus forming a triangle shape.
- the triangular shaped tabs 41 are joined to the tubular body 22 b at bends 44 , as shown.
- there are five triangular shaped tabs 41 in the row 130 there are five triangular shaped tabs 41 in the row 130 . In other embodiments, the row of triangular shaped tabs 130 may comprise fewer or more than five triangular shaped tabs 41 .
- FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along cut line 16 - 16 of FIG. 15
- FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along cut line 17 - 17 of FIG. 13 .
- the tubular body 22 b can be used in the same manner as described above in connection with the first embodiment for supporting the walls 52 and ceiling 54 of a mine 56 .
- FIGS. 18-22 generally show a fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer 20 c with tabs.
- the tubular body 22 c comprises a plurality of rows 128 of rectangular shaped tabs 40 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 in each row 128 are spaced from one another, and the rows 128 are spaced about ninety degrees from one another about the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 c, as viewed in sectional FIGS. 21 and 22 .
- the tubular body 22 c of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the tubular body 22 of the first embodiment, in that the tubular body 22 c comprises an exterior surface 26 , first and second gap space walls 27 , 29 , respectively, a tube gap space 28 , an impact end 30 , insertion end 32 , a rectangular weld ring 31 having a weld ring gap space 39 , a first portion 33 , and a second portion 34 having a taper 35 having a notch.
- Each rectangular shaped tab 40 of the fourth embodiment is joined to the tubular body 22 c at a bend 44 , and extends in a direction toward the weld ring 31 . As shown in FIGS.
- FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along cut line 21 - 21 of FIG. 20
- FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along cut line 22 - 22 of FIG. 18 .
- the tubular body 22 c can be used in the same manner as described above in connection with the first embodiment for supporting the walls 52 and ceiling 54 of a mine 56 .
- FIGS. 23-27 generally show a fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer 20 d.
- the tubular body 22 d comprises a plurality of rows 130 of triangular shaped tabs 41 .
- the tubular body 22 d of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the tubular body 22 of the third embodiment, in that the tubular body 22 d comprises an exterior surface 26 , first and second gap space walls 27 , 29 , respectively, a tube gap space 28 , an impact end 30 , insertion end 32 , a rectangular weld ring 31 having a weld ring gap space 39 , a first portion 33 , and a second portion 34 having a taper 35 having a notch.
- Each triangular shaped tab 41 of the fifth embodiment is joined to the tubular body 22 d at a bend 44 , and extends away from the tubular body 22 d.
- the edges 46 of each triangular shaped tab 41 meet at a point 47 .
- FIGS. 23-25 there are three rows 130 of the triangular shaped tabs 41 , with five tabs 41 per row 130 .
- the rows 130 of triangular shaped tabs 41 are spaced about ninety degrees from one another about the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 d, as viewed in FIGS. 26 and 27 . In yet other embodiments, there can even be more rows 130 of triangular shaped tabs 41 provided for on the tubular body 22 d.
- FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along cut line 26 - 26 of FIG. 25
- FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along cut line 27 - 27 of FIG. 23 .
- the tubular body 22 d can be used in the same manner as described above in connection with the first embodiment for supporting the walls 52 and ceiling 54 of a mine 56 .
- FIG. 27A Shown in FIG. 27A is a sixth embodiment of the friction stabilizer 20 e wherein the tubular body 22 e has a plurality of differently shaped tabs 25 .
- the tabs 25 may be curved shaped tabs, rectangular shaped tabs, triangular shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, combinations of the above, or any other shaped tab that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer 20 e from the drilled bore 50 in the mine 56 .
- the above-described tabs 25 may extend in patterns, rows, series, or randomly from the exterior surface 26 of the friction stabilizer 20 e. As shown in FIG.
- a plurality of differently shaped tabs 25 extend from the friction stabilizer 20 e.
- a single tab 25 may extend from the exterior surface 26 of the friction stabilizer 20 .
- the single tab may be any of the above shapes.
- a friction stabilizer 20 f having a tubular body 22 f.
- the tubular body 22 f is elongate and has a first portion 33 a bent portion 53 and a second portion 34 with the bent portion 53 joining the first portion 33 and the second portion 34 .
- the tubular body 22 f is preferably formed as one piece.
- the first portion 33 has an impact end 30 and the second portion 34 has an opposed insertion end 32 .
- the first portion 33 also has a weld ring 31 joined to it with, for example a weld 49 , and the weld ring 31 can have a rectangular or circular cross section.
- the second portion 34 of the tubular body 22 f has a taper 35 , and the taper 35 extends from the insertion end 32 in a direction toward the impact end 30 until it meets with the bent portion 53 .
- tubular body 22 f includes an interior surface 24 that is concave and an opposed exterior surface 26 that is convex, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 .
- the interior surface 24 defines a stabilizer interior 23 that is internal to the tubular body 22 f.
- the tubular body 22 f has a first gap space wall 27 and a second gap space wall 29 which are spaced apart from one another and face one another.
- the first and second gap space walls 27 , 29 respectively, extend along the length of the tubular body 22 f, designated L in FIG. 39 , from the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 f to the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 f.
- a tube gap space 28 extends from the first gap space wall 27 to the second gap space wall 29 and the length L of the tubular body 22 f, from the impact end 30 to the insertion end 32 . As shown in FIGS.
- the weld ring 31 has a weld ring gap space 39 , and the weld ring 31 is welded to the first portion 33 with a weld 49 , such that the weld ring gap space 39 is diametrically opposite the tube gap space 28 , as shown in FIG. 41 .
- tubular body 22 f is capable of being compressed radially inward because of the tube gap space 28 .
- the diameter of the tubular body 22 f designated D in FIG. 39 decreases when the tubular body 22 f is hammered into a drilled bore 50 having a smaller diameter, designated B in FIG. 43 , as will be described in greater detail presently.
- a notch 36 is defined in the taper 35 of the second portion 34 of the tubular body 22 f.
- the notch 36 extends from the insertion end 32 partly into the second portion 34 of the tubular body 22 f.
- the taper 35 of the second portion 34 increases in the vicinity of the notch 36 .
- the tube gap space 28 decreases in the second portion 34 due to the taper 35
- tube gap space 38 decreases an additional amount in the vicinity of the notch 36 .
- the notch 36 allows the taper 35 to be formed in the tubular body 22 f at the insertion end 32 thereof when the tubular body 22 f is roll formed. After the taper 35 is fitted into the drilled bore 50 , the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 f can be hammered causing the tubular body 22 f to move into the drilled bore 50 .
- the tubular body 22 f has a thickness designated TT as shown in FIG. 41 which extends from the exterior surface 24 to the opposed interior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 f.
- the tubular body 22 f has a single extendable tab 25 b that is joined to the first portion 32 of the tubular body 22 f with a tab joining portion 180 .
- the extendable tab 25 b is positioned diametrically opposite the tube gap space 28 .
- extendable tab 25 b is proximal the bent portion 37 .
- the extendable tab 25 b is positioned such that moving from right to left in FIGS. 38-40 , the insertion end 32 is first encountered and then the second portion 34 is encountered. Next, the bent portion 53 is encountered, and then the first portion 33 is encountered with the tab joining portion 180 and extendable tab 25 b being encountered immediately thereafter.
- the extendable tab 25 b is proximal the bent portion 53 , but not joined to the bend portion 53 .
- the extendable tab 25 b extends in a direction leading away from the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 f and in a direction leading towards the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 f, as shown in FIGS. 38-40 .
- the tubular body 22 f is capable of compressing radially inward, for example when it is hammered into a drilled bore 50 having diameter less than that of the tubular body 22 f, as will be described presently.
- the tube gap space 28 allows for such inward radial compression of the tubular body 22 f.
- the tubular body 22 f is capable of moving from a non-compressed position 190 (as shown in FIGS. 38-42 ) to a compressed position 192 when hammered into a drilled bore.
- the extendable tab 25 b has an interior tab surface 182 and an opposed exterior tab surface 184 , and because the extendable tab 25 b is formed in the tubular body 22 f, it also has a thickness designated TT.
- the tubular body 22 f has an opening 48 in which the extendable tab 25 b is partly positioned.
- the extendable tab 25 b is partly positioned in the opening 48 , and partly elevated with respect to the surrounding exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 f. As shown in FIGS.
- the extendable tab 25 b extends a minimal amount relative to the surrounding exterior surface 26 of the tubular body.
- the extendable tab 25 b is bent at the joining portion 180 such that the extendable tab 25 b makes a makes a minimal angle with respect to the surrounding exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 f.
- the extendable tab 25 b is partly in the opening 48 and partly raised or elevated a minimal amount relative to the surrounding exterior surface 26 of the first portion 33 , as described above.
- the extendable tab 25 b bends at the joining portion 180 , and the extendable tab 25 b moves out of the opening 48 .
- the extendable tab 25 b extends away from the exterior surface 26 the tubular body 22 f, such that the extendable tab 25 b makes an acute angle with the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 f.
- the extendable tab 25 b is caused to move out of the opening 48 when the tubular body 22 f is compressed, and is capable of moving from a non-extended position 183 , as shown in FIGS. 38-40 and 42 , when the tubular body 22 f is in the non-compressed position 190 , to an extended position 185 , as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 , when the tubular body 22 f is in the compressed position 192 .
- FIGS. 43 and 44 show the friction stabilizer 20 f installed in a drilled bore 50 .
- the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 f is introduced into the drilled bore 50 , and the extendable tab 25 b is in the above-described non-extended position 183 .
- the tube gap space 28 decreases and the tubular body 22 f begins to compress radially inward, and the extendable tab 25 b moves out of the opening 48 and moves to the extended position 185 such that it contacts the drilled bore 50 .
- the extendable tab 25 b engages the drilled bore thus increasing the axially holding capacity of the friction stabilizer 20 f.
- Two extendable tabs 25 b each positioned diametrically opposite the tube gap space 28 and each proximal the bent portion 37 as described above also advantageously significantly increase the holding capacity or axial load bearing capacity of the friction stabilizer 20 f.
- the second extendable tab 25 b is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 40 , and as shown, the extendable tabs 25 b are proximal to one another.
- a third extendable tab 25 b could also be formed in the tubular body 22 f is the same manner as described above and in line with the other extendable tabs 25 b. In other embodiments there can be more than three extendable tabs 25 b each positioned diametrically opposite the tube gap space 28 .
- the extendable tab 25 f can have any geometry, for example it can be rectangular shaped as shown in FIG. 38 a. It can also be triangle shaped, curved, polygonal or virtually any shape that can engage a drilled bore 50 .
- the tubular body 22 f is safer to handle in the mine because the extendable tab 25 b is in the non-extended position 183 prior to introduction into the drilled bore 50 .
- the extendable tab 25 b does not extend outward from the surrounding exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 f until the tubular body 22 f has been hammered into the drilled bore 50 , thus the friction stabilizers 20 f can be neatly stacked for shipment.
- Another advantage is the increased axial holding capacity of the friction stabilizer 20 f.
- the process or method begins with a coil of metal, preferably steel or a steel alloy 100 .
- a planar or flat strip of steel 102 pulled from the steel coil, in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 28 .
- the strip 102 has a width, designated W in FIG. 7 , that is about three inches wide in the first embodiment. In other embodiments, the width could be more than or less than three inches, depending on the particular application or customer requirement.
- the strip of steel 102 As the strip of steel 102 is pulled from the coil 100 , it moves onto a conveyor 105 .
- the strip of steel 102 passes through a pressing machine 104 wherein the tab side edges 43 and tab free edges 45 are pressed into the flat strip of steel 102 .
- Pressing machines are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. It is to be understood that the tab side edges 43 and free edges 45 may also be laser cut or otherwise formed in the sheet of steel 102 at this point in the manufacturing process, by the use of a laser or other device.
- the shape of the tab 25 is thus formed in the sheet of steel 102 . It is to be further understood that any desired shape of the tab 25 could be formed by the pressing machine 104 .
- the strip 102 is next moved by conveyor 105 through a punching machine 106 where the notches 36 are punched out of or otherwise formed into the flat strip 102 .
- Punching machines 106 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the notches 36 could be punched from the strip 102 first, and then the tabs 40 pressed in the strip 102 .
- a means for measuring 108 continuously measures the length of the strip 102 prior to the punching machine 106 so that the notch 36 can be punched in the strip 102 at the desired position in the strip 102 .
- the final length of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 is thus determined by the notch 36 location in the strip 102 .
- the strip 102 passes from the punching machine 106 and is moved by conveyor 105 through a cold roll forming mill 110 .
- the cold roll forming mill 110 comprises a series of stands having top and bottom rolling die 112 a, 112 b, respectively. Cold roll forming mills 110 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the strip 102 progresses from stand to stand in the cold rolling mill 110 it is formed into a tubular body 22 having the above-described tube gap space 28 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 begin to move away from the exterior surface 26 of the continuous tubular body 22 z that is being formed in the cold rolling mill 110 .
- the natural spring constant of the steel, steel alloy, galvanized steel, or other metal from which the continuous tubular body 22 z, is made causes the rectangular shaped tabs 40 to extend from the exterior surface 26 thereof. It is noted that if the tabs do not extend out, then they may be mechanically pushed out of the tubular body 22 .
- the tabs 40 extend from it as previously described and it has notches 36 , but still has to be cut to the predetermined length.
- the continuous tubular body 22 z is then moved by conveyor 105 through a cut-off press 114 , where the notch 36 in the tubular body 22 signals the cut-off press 114 to cut the tubular body 22 to the predetermined length at the notch 36 .
- the length of the tubular body may be about 60 inches as shown in FIG. 1 and described in the first embodiment, but in other embodiments, the tubular body 22 can be formed to have a length of 18 inches, 24 inches, over six feet, or any length required for the particular job, application, or customer order.
- the tubular body 22 is then placed on conveyor 105 and transported to a swaging station 116 .
- the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 where the notch 36 is located, has pressure applied to it such that the taper 35 is formed at the insertion end 32 .
- the notch 36 provides the space for the taper 35 to be formed in the section portion 34 in the swaging station 116 .
- the tubular body 22 is then moved by a conveyor 105 to a welding station 118 .
- the rectangular shaped weld ring 38 is fitted about the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 , such that the weld ring gap space 39 aligns with the tube gap space 28 .
- the weld ring gap space 39 and tube gap space 28 are not aligned.
- Welding stations 118 are well known to those having ordinary skill in that art.
- the weld ring 38 is joined with the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 .
- the weld ring gap space 39 may be laser cut or punched out of the weld ring 38 .
- the tubular bodies 22 are moved by conveyor 105 to a packing station 120 having an automatic packaging machine 121 . Every other tubular body 22 is then turned end over end and automatically packaged in bundles 122 of, for example, six tubular bodies 22 , by the automatic packaging machine 121 .
- Automatic packaging machines 121 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the bundles 122 are transported by conveyor 105 to a shipping station 124 , placed in crates 126 , and shipped.
- the tabs 40 may have sharp tab side edges 43 and tab free edges 45 .
- another step that may be included in the process or method is a grinding step, which takes place prior to automatic packing of the tubular bodies 22 . During the grinding step, any sharp tab side edges 43 and tab free edges 45 are ground down and dulled, thus decreasing the likelihood of a worker being cut or injured by the tabs 40 .
- the pressing machine 104 would stamp, punch, or cut edges in the strip of steel 102 such that the tab 25 of desired shape may be formed (rectangular shaped tabs, triangular shaped tabs, curved shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, combinations of the above, or any other shaped tab that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 from the drilled bore 50 in the mine 56 ).
- the process or method begins with a coil of metal, preferably steel or a steel alloy 100 .
- a planar or flat strip of steel 102 pulled from the steel coil, in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 45 .
- the strip 102 has a width, designated W in FIG. 7 , that is about three inches wide in the first embodiment. In other embodiments, the width could be more than or less than three inches, depending on the particular application or customer requirement.
- the strip of steel 102 As the strip of steel 102 is pulled from the coil 100 , it moves onto a conveyor 105 .
- the strip of steel 102 passes through a pressing machine 104 wherein the extendable tab 25 b is pressed, laser cut or otherwise defined in the flat strip of steel 102 .
- Pressing machines are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the strip 102 is next moved by conveyor 105 through a punching machine 106 where the notches 36 are punched out of or otherwise formed into the flat strip 102 .
- Punching machines 106 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the notches 36 could be punched from the strip 102 first, and then the tabs 40 pressed in the strip 102 .
- a means for measuring 108 continuously measures the length of the strip 102 prior to the punching machine 106 so that the notch 36 can be punched in the strip 102 at the desired position in the strip 102 .
- the final length of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 f is thus determined by the notch 36 location in the strip 102 .
- the cold roll forming mill 111 comprises a series of stands having top and bottom extendable tab rolling die 113 a, 113 b, respectively.
- the strip 102 progresses from stand to stand in the cold rolling mill 111 it is formed into a tubular body 22 f having the above-described tube gap space 28 .
- the extendable tab 25 b extends from the strip 102 only a minimal amount from the exterior surface 26 of the continuous tubular body 22 z that is being formed in the cold rolling mill 111 .
- this cold rolling is different from the above-described cold rolling, in that the tubular body 22 f is rolled such that the extendable tab 25 a does not fully extend outward during the cold rolling processes. That is, the cold rolling process is such that it prevents the full extension of the extendable tab 25 b. Rather, the extendable tab 25 b extends only a minimal amount from an exterior surface of the continuous tubular body 22 z.
- the continuous tubular body 22 z is then moved by conveyor 105 through a cut-off press 114 , where the notch 36 in the tubular body 22 signals the cut-off press 114 to cut the tubular body 22 f to the predetermined length at the notch 36 .
- the length of the tubular body 22 f may be about 60 inches as shown in FIG. 1 and described in the first embodiment, but in other embodiments, the tubular body 22 can be formed to have a length of 18 inches, 24 inches, over six feet, or any length required for the particular job, application, or customer order.
- the tubular body 22 f is then placed on conveyor 105 and transported to a swaging and ring station 116 .
- the insertion end 32 of the tubular body 22 f where the notch 36 is located, has pressure applied to it such that the taper 35 is formed at the insertion end 32 , and the weld ring is positioned around the continuous tubular body 22 z.
- the notch 36 provides the space for the taper 35 to be formed in the section portion 34 in the swaging station 116 .
- the tubular body 22 f is then moved by a conveyor 105 to a welding station 118 .
- the weld ring 38 is fitted about the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 f, such that the weld ring gap space 39 is diametrically opposite the tube gap space 28 .
- the tubular body 22 and weld ring 31 are welded together, and thus joined by a weld 49 .
- the weld ring 38 is joined with the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 .
- the tubular bodies 22 f are moved by conveyor 105 to a packing station 120 having an automatic packaging machine 121 . Every other tubular body 22 is then turned end over end and automatically packaged in bundles 122 of, for example, six tubular bodies 22 f, by the automatic packaging machine 121 . In addition, because the extendable tab 25 b is not extended, the bundles can be advantageously readily stacked. Automatic packaging machines 121 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the bundles 122 are transported by conveyor 105 to a shipping station 124 , placed in crates 126 , and shipped.
- a drilled bore 50 is made in a wall 52 or ceiling 54 of a mine 56 having a floor 55 , as shown in FIG. 37 . It is understood that forming a drilled bore 50 in a mine 56 is known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the drilled bores 50 are made in the 52 ceilings and/or walls 54 of the mine 56 .
- the drilled bore 50 has a diameter, designated B in FIG. 37 , which is less than the diameter of the tubular body 22 , designated S and shown in FIG. 4 .
- a plate 58 having a plate opening 60 is provided.
- the plate 58 has planar surfaces 59 , and is of metal, preferably steel, steel alloys, stainless steel, and galvanized steel.
- the plate opening 60 is sized such that the friction stabilizer 22 can be moved through the opening 60 . But, the weld ring 38 is too large to pass through the plate opening 60 .
- the plate 58 is positioned such that the opening 60 is brought into alignment with the drilled bore 50 the wall 52 or ceiling 54 , as the case may be, of the mine 56 , and held in that position.
- the insertion end 30 of the tubular body 22 can be readily moved into the drilled bore 50 .
- the insertion end 32 is moved through the opening 60 in the plate 58 , such that the taper portion 34 is moved into the drilled bore 50 .
- the diameter, designated S, of the tubular body is greater than the diameter, designated B, of the drilled bore 50 , the first portion 33 of the tubular body 22 must be driven into the drilled bore 50 .
- the impact end 30 of the tubular body 22 is driven by a pneumatic hammer, hydraulic hammer, or other means for hammering or driving (not shown) into the drilled bore 50 .
- the tubular body 22 compresses radially inward as it is driven into the drilled bore 50 , such that the tube gap space 28 decreases.
- the tabs 40 fold in a direction toward the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 , and do not resist insertion of the tubular body 22 into the drilled bore 50 .
- the tubular body 22 compresses radially inward and the tube gap space 28 and weld ring gap space 39 both decrease.
- the tubular body 50 then exerts expanding forces against the adjacent surrounding drilled bore wall 51 .
- the plate can be a domed-shaped plate 64 having a domed portion 65 .
- the domed portion 65 has an opening 67 for receiving the friction stabilizer 20 there-through.
- Contact surfaces 69 are provided on the domed plate 64 and are used for contacting the wall 52 or ceiling 54 of the mine 56 .
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 move downwardly toward the tubular body 22 and do not obstruct insertion into the drilled bore 50 .
- the tabs 40 force outwardly from the tubular body 22 due to the natural spring constant of the steel or other material from which the stabilizer with tabs 20 is made.
- the tabs 40 contact the adjacent surrounding drilled bore wall 51 and dig into it, resulting in the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 being held in the drilled bore 50 by both a friction fit created by the expanding forces generated by the tubular body 22 , and by the tabs 40 digging into the drilled bore 50 .
- the tabs 40 immediately dig into the adjacent drilled bore wall 51 and work against removal of the stabilizer with tabs 20 from the drilled bore 50 .
- the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 advantageously decreases the likelihood of a cave-in of walls 52 and/or ceilings 54 of a mine 56 .
- the plate 58 which is trapped between the weld ring 38 and mine wall 52 or ceiling 54 after installation, provides for additional support of the surrounding mine walls 52 and ceilings 54 , as the case may be. It is noted that the plate 58 is supported by the weld ring 38 . Thus, if the rock above the plate 58 fractures and weakens, the plate 58 supports the rock, and the plate 58 in turn is supported by the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 in the drilled bore 50 , and the tabs 40 advantageously constantly working against removal of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 from the drilled bore 51 .
- the present invention also provided for a mine support system 80 .
- the friction stabilizer 20 having tabs can be positioned and spaced from one another in drilled bores 50 that are spaced about three feet apart from one another in all directions, for example in the walls 52 and ceiling 54 of the mine 56 .
- a wire mesh 65 is provided.
- the wire mesh 65 is positioned adjacent to the walls 52 and ceiling 54 of the mine 56 .
- the plates 58 are aligned with the drilled bores 50 in the manner described above.
- the friction stabilizer 20 is driven into the drilled bore 50 in the manner previously described.
- the wire mesh 65 extends between all of the plates 58 in the mine and is trapped between the plates 58 and the mine wall 52 and plates 58 and ceiling 54 .
- the wire mesh 65 serves to support any rocks or debris that break off of the walls 52 or ceiling 54 of the mine 56 .
- the ability of the wire mesh 65 to support greater loads is advantageously increased, because the friction stabilizer having tabs 40 can support a greater load from the wire mesh 65 .
- the stabilizer with tabs 20 can be used as an integral part of a mine support system 80 to prevent mine 56 cave-ins.
- the tabs 25 can be any of a plurality of different shapes (rectangular shaped tabs, triangular shaped tabs, curved shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, combinations of the above, or any other shaped tab that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 from the drilled bore 50 in the mine 56 ).
- rectangular shaped tabs triangular shaped tabs, curved shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, combinations of the above, or any other shaped tab that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 from the drilled bore 50 in the mine 56 ).
- the rectangular shaped tabs 40 can be formed such that they extend from the tubular body 22 anywhere from the exterior surface 26 of the tubular body 22 including randomly or in patterns.
- the number of tabs 25 can be varied regardless of the shape of the tab 25 .
- the size of the tab 25 can be varied depending on the requirements of the particular application in which the stabilizer 20 will be deployed.
- a single tab 25 having any of the above described shapes may extend from the tubular body 22 .
- the length of the taper 35 of the second portion 34 may be increased or decreased.
- the tubular body 22 f compresses radially inward as it is hammered into the drilled bore 50 , and moves from the non-compressed condition 190 to the compressed condition 192 .
- the extendable tab 25 b moves out of the opening 48 .
- the extendable tab 25 b extends outward from the tubular body 22 f as the tubular body 22 f is hammered deeper into the drilled bore 50 , and the extendable tab 25 b extends into the surrounding drilled bore 50 .
- the extendable tab 25 b advantageously extends into the drilled bore 50 at a position deep inside the drilled bore 50 , advantageously resulting in increased axial holding capacity of the friction stabilizer 20 f which prevents mine collapse.
- the diameter of the tubular body 22 of the friction stabilizer with tabs 20 may be more or less than an inch, but in other embodiments the diameter of the stabilizer may be customized to suit particular needs for a particular application.
- the tubular body 22 can comprise various lengths L, for example the sixty inch length described above, or a length required for a particular application. For example, some mines 56 may require tubular bodies 22 having lengths of twelve, eighteen, or forty inches, whereas other mines 56 may require tubular bodies 22 having lengths of over two hundred inches.
- the friction stabilizer having tabs 20 may be used in these mining applications.
- the material from which the stabilizer 20 and weld ring 38 are made comprises metal, such as steel, steel alloys, galvanized steel, high strength steel, metal and metal alloys.
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Abstract
A friction stabilizer having tabs comprising a tubular body comprising an exterior surface and having a first portion and having a second portion provided with a taper. The first portion has an impact end and the second portion has an insertion end. A tab is on the tubular body and extends outward from the exterior surface of the tubular body in a direction toward the impact end and away from the insertion end of the tubular body. The tabs can be rectangular shaped or triangular shaped or have other shapes which prevent the friction stabilizer from being removed from a drilled bore in a mine. When the friction stabilizer with tabs is inserted into a drilled bore in a mine, the tabs do not impede insertion. But, after insertion into the drilled bore the tabs resist removal of the tubular body, and thus allow the stabilizer to support the mine wall or ceiling. The friction stabilizer is made by taking a steel coil and punching the shape of the tabs in the metal, for example sheet metal, unrolled from the coil. A notch is also punched into the sheet at a predetermined location. Rolling die roll the tubular body, and a cutting machine cuts the tubular body at the notches, so tubular bodies of predetermined length are cut. The tabs extend from the exterior surface of the tubular body due to the natural spring constant of the steel or metal from which the tubular body is made. A weld ring is welded to the impact end and has a weld ring gap space. In another embodiment the tubular body has first portion, a second portion with a bent portion joining them together. An extendable tab is formed in the first portion proximal the bend portion and the extendable tab is diametrically opposite a tube gap space.
Description
- This application is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/946,468, filed on Sep. 21, 2004 to Valgora, for a “Friction Stabilizer With Tabs” the disclose of which is hereby incorporated by reference, which application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/507,366 to Valgora, and filed on Sep. 30, 2003, for a “Friction Stabilizer With Tabs” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- Cave-ins are a constant threat associated with underground mining operations. It is difficult to predict when and where a cave-in will occur. Typically, workers are provided with little or no warning prior to a cave-in, and thus they have a minimal amount of time to react to a cave-in. Indeed, mine walls or ceilings that appear fine upon visual inspection may have significant fractures just below their surfaces, making them structurally weak and prone to collapse. Cave-ins are very destructive and may result in miners becoming trapped and/or injured. Additionally, equipment and machinery may be damaged or destroyed.
- Friction type stabilizers have been used in mining operations to stabilize walls and ceilings of the mine. Such stabilizers are pounded into bores drilled in mine walls and ceilings. The stabilizers form a friction fit with the drilled bore. But, these stabilizers may slide out of the drilled bores when the rock wall or ceiling shifts/moves, and in such situations the stabilizers are unable to prevent a mine wall or ceiling cave-in.
- Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a new and improved stabilizer that decreases the likelihood of a cave-in. It would also be desirable if the stabilizer was compatible with existing mining equipment and inexpensive to fabricate.
- The friction stabilizer with tabs according to this invention is used to secure the walls and ceilings of mines to thus prevent a cave-in from occurring. The friction stabilizer with tabs comprises a hollow body, preferably tubular. The tubular body comprises an impact end, an insertion end, a first portion and a second portion. The second portion has a notch and is tapered.
- The tubular body has an interior and an exterior surface, and tabs are connected to and extend from the tubular body. The tabs extend in a direction leading away from the insertion end of the tubular body and in a direction leading towards the impact end of the tubular body. The tabs each make an acute angle with the exterior surface of the tubular body. The tabs can be rectangular shaped and there can be three such tabs extending from the exterior surface of the tubular body. Each rectangular shaped tab further comprises parallel tab side edges and a tab free edge connecting between the tab side edges.
- In other embodiments, the tabs may be triangular shaped tabs, curved shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, and combinations of the above. Also, the tabs can be of any shape that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer with tabs from the drilled bore in a mine. The above-described tabs are punched into the sheet from which the tubular body is formed by a punching machine, thus they are joined to the tubular body at bends.
- The tubular body further comprises a first gap space wall and a second gap space wall spaced apart from one another by a tube gap space. The tube gap space is used for allowing the tubular body to be compressed radially inward when the tubular body is driven into a drilled bore in a mine having, the drilled bore having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the tubular body.
- The friction stabilizer further comprises a weld ring having a weld ring gap space, and the weld ring is joined to the tubular body such that the weld ring gap space and tube gap space are aligned. The weld ring is joined to the exterior surface of the first portion of the tubular body at the impact end of the tubular body by, for example, a weld. The weld ring gap space is used for allowing the weld ring to be compressed radially inward. The weld ring can have a rectangular cross section or a circular cross section.
- In another embodiment, a friction stabilizer for installation in a structural body is provided. The friction stabilizer has a tubular body comprising a first portion a bent portion and a second portion with and the bent portion joining the first portion and second portion. The first portion has an extendable tab and a joining portion joins the extendable tab and the tubular body such that the extendable tab is proximal the bent portion. The friction stabilizer also has a tube gap space and an opening diametrically opposite the tube gap space, such that the extendable tab extends from the joining portion into the opening. The extendable tab is diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
- The tubular body is movable from an uncompressed position to a compressed position, such that when in the tubular body is in the uncompressed position the extendable tab is partly positioned in the opening. The tubular body also has an exterior surface and when in the uncompressed position the extendable tab is elevated a minimal amount relative to the surrounding exterior surface of the tubular body. The extendable tab extends outward from the tubular body when the tubular body is in the compressed position, for example when hammered into a drilled bore.
- The friction stabilizer includes an insertion end and an opposed impact end with a weld ring having a weld ring gap space joined to the impact end, such that the weld ring gap space is diametrically opposite the tube gap space. The extendable tab extends in a direction toward the impact end and away from the insertion end. The friction stabilizer can have another extendable tab proximal the extendable tab and positioned diametrically opposite the tube gap space. The extendable tab can be rectangular or have any suitable geometric shape.
- Either embodiment of the friction stabilizer is made by similar processes. The process begins by providing a coil of metal and unrolling the coil of metal into a strip, followed by pressing the shape of the tab or extendable tab to be formed into the strip of metal. The strip is moved through cold rolling dies, and in one embodiment the strip is rolled into a tubular body having a tube gap space such that the tabs extend from the tubular body. In the other embodiment the strip is rolled into a tubular body having a tube gap space and an exterior surface such that the extendable tab is elevated a minimal amount relative to the exterior surface and is diametrically opposite the tube gap space. The method also includes providing a weld ring having a weld ring gap space and welding the weld ring to the impact end of the tubular body.
- To use the friction stabilizer with tabs, a drilled bore is made in the wall or ceiling of the mine. The wall is sufficiently solid and of sufficient thickness to accommodate a bore of sufficient length, and the drilled bore has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the tubular body. A support plate having an opening is provided, the opening being sized such that the tubular body can pass through the opening. The opening in the plate is aligned with the drilled bore. The tapered end of the tubular body is aligned with and inserted through the opening in the plate and into the drilled bore so that the taper of the tubular body is received in the drilled bore.
- Then a pneumatic or hydraulic hammer or some other means for hammering is used for pounding or driving the stabilizer with tabs into the drilled bore. As the stabilizer with tabs is driven into the drilled bore the tabs move or flex inwardly towards the exterior surface of the tubular body. This allows the friction stabilizer with tabs to be hammered into the drilled bore without the tabs impeding movement. During the pounding process the plate becomes trapped between the weld ring and the surrounding ceiling or wall of the mine, as the case may be. Additionally, the tubular body compresses and the gap space distance decreases as the friction stabilizer is driven into the drilled bore. Then, if loading force is applied to remove the tubular body with tabs, the tabs immediately dig into the surrounding wall which surrounds the drilled bore, making the removal of the tubular body significantly more difficult. Such loading force may come from the plate that is providing support. Thus, if the ceiling or wall begins to cave-in, the tabs will keep digging into the surrounding wall, and the friction stabilizer having tabs continues to work against a cave-in. This digging-in action could stop a cave-in in progress or limit the severity of a cave-in. Additionally, the digging-in action could provide miners with extra time to get out of harms way, or provide inspectors with time so that they can conduct an on site inspection.
- The use of the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab is the same the friction stabilizer is hammered into a drilled bore. However, as the friction stabilizer is hammered into the drilled bore, it moves from an uncompressed position to a compressed position. As this occurs, the extendable tab moves away from the exterior surface of the tubular body and extends outward and into the surrounding drilled bore. The extendable tab is positioned deep in the drilled bore after hammering, which advantageously provides the friction stabilizer with increased axial load carrying capacity.
-
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the friction stabilizer having tabs. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the friction stabilizer having tabs. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the friction stabilizer having tabs. -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the friction stabilizer having tabs. -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the friction stabilizer having tabs taken along cut line 5-5. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the friction stabilizer having tabs taken along cut line 6-6. -
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the strip of steel used to manufacture the friction stabilizer having tabs. -
FIG. 8 shows a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs according to a second embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9 shows a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs. -
FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs. -
FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs taken along cut line 11-11 inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the friction stabilizer with rectangular tabs taken along cut line 12-12 inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 13 shows a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 14 shows a side elevational view of the third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 15 shows a top plan view of the third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of a third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 16-16 inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 17-17 inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 18 shows a bottom plan view of a fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 19 shows a side elevational view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 20 shows a top plan view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 21 shows a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 21-21 inFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 22 shows a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 22-22 inFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 23 shows a bottom plan view of a fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 24 shows a side elevational view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 25 shows a top plan view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 26 shows a cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 26-26 inFIG. 25 . -
FIG. 27 shows a cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs taken along cut line 27-27 inFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 27A shows a top plan view of a of a sixth embodiment of the friction stabilizer with tabs having a plurality of differently shaped tabs. -
FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view of the manufacturing process used for manufacturing the friction stabilizer with tabs. -
FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the weld ring having a circular shaped cross section. -
FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along cut line 30-30 inFIG. 29 of the weld ring having a circular shaped cross section. -
FIG. 30 a is a view, partly in section, of the circular weld ring and tubular body joined together with a weld. -
FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the weld ring having a rectangular shaped cross section. -
FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken along cut line 32-32 inFIG. 31 of the weld ring having a rectangular shaped cross section. -
FIG. 32 a is a view, partly in section, of the rectangular weld ring and tubular body joined together with a weld. -
FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the planar plate. -
FIG. 34 is a sectional view of the planar plate taken along cut line 34-34 inFIG. 33 . -
FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the domed plate. -
FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the domed plate taken along cut line 36-36 inFIG. 35 . -
FIG. 37 is a sectional view of a mine showing friction stabilizers having tabs deployed in the mine. -
FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of a seventh embodiment of the friction stabilizer having an extendable tab. -
FIG. 39 is a front elevational view of the of the seventh embodiment of the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab. -
FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the seventh embodiment of the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab. -
FIG. 41 is a is a sectional view of the seventh embodiment taken along cut line cut line 41-41 as shown inFIG. 40 . -
FIG. 42 is a sectional view of the seventh embodiment taken along cut-line 42-42 as shown inFIG. 38 . -
FIG. 43 is a sectional view of a mine showing the friction stabilizer having the extendable tab. -
FIG. 44 shows an enlarged view, partly in section, ofFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic view of the manufacturing process used for manufacturing the friction stabilizer with extendable tabs. - At the outset, it noted that like reference numbers are intended to identify the same structure, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the figures. It is also noted that when the term “about” is used in connection with describing a number that the number includes numbers in decimal form that can be rounded to that number.
- Shown generally in
FIGS. 1-6 is thefriction stabilizer 20 withtabs 25.FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the friction stabilizer withtabs 20. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 comprises atubular body 22 havingtabs 25 extending therefrom. Thetubular body 22 is elongate and has afirst portion 33 and asecond portion 34. Thesecond portion 34 is formed integral joined to thefirst portion 33, and thesecond portion 34 has ataper 35. Thetubular body 22 has animpact end 30 and aninsertion end 32 that are spaced from one another by the length, designated L inFIG. 4 , of thetubular body 22. Thetaper 34 extends from theinsertion end 32 in a direction toward theimpact end 30, until it reaches thefirst portion 33. Thetubular body 22 may comprise a total length L of about sixty inches, about four inches of which comprise thesecond portion 34 having thetaper 35. - The
tubular body 22 further comprises aninterior surface 24 and anexterior surface 26, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 . Theinterior surface 24 defines astabilizer interior 23 internal to thetubular body 22. - As further shown in
FIGS. 3 and 5 , thetubular body 22 has a firstgap space wall 27 and a secondgap space wall 29 which are spaced apart from one another. The first and secondgap space walls tubular body 22, from the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22 to theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22. The first and second gap space walls, 27, 29, respectively, define atube gap space 28 between them, that extends in the direction of the of the longitudinal axis, designate X inFIG. 2 , of thetubular body 22. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 , thetube gap space 28 extends along the length L of thebody 22, from theimpact end 30 to theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22. Thetube gap space 28 defined between the first and secondgap space walls tubular body 22 to be compressed radially inward. In a manner to be described presently, the diameter designated D inFIG. 5 , of thetubular body 22 decreases when thetubular body 22 is driven into a drilled bore 50 formed in awall 52 orceiling 54 of amine 56, as shown inFIG. 37 . The drilled bore 50 has abore diameter 51, designated B inFIG. 37 , that is less than the diameter D of thetubular body 22. - A
notch 36 is defined in thetaper 35 of thesecond portion 34 of thetubular body 22. Thenotch 36 allows thetaper 35 to be formed in thetubular body 22 at theinsertion end 32 thereof when thetubular body 22 is being rolled. Thetaper 35 is used for allowing theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22 to be initially fitted or inserted into the drilled bore 50. After thetaper 35 is fitted into the drilled bore 50, the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22 can be pounded causing thetubular body 22 to move into the drilled bore 50. - In accordance with the invention, the
tubular body 20 comprisestabs 25 that extend from theexterior surface 26 in a direction toward the impact end 30 of thetubular body 20, and away from theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22. Thetabs 25 work against the removal of thetubular body 22 from a drilled bore 50 in amine 56. As a result, thetabs 25 advantageously decrease the likelihood of amine 56 cave-in, as will be described presently. - In a preferred embodiment, the
tabs 25 are embodied to be rectangular shapedtabs 40. In particular, there is a first rectangular shapedtab 40 a, a second rectangular shapedtab 40 b, and a third rectangular shapedtab 40 c. The first rectangular shapedtab 40 is positioned closest to theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22, and the third rectangular shapedtab 40 c is positioned farthest from theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22, as shown inFIG. 4 . The second rectangular shapedtab 40 b is positioned between the first and second rectangular shapedtabs tabs tubular body 22, in a method to be described presently. - The first, second, and third rectangular shaped
tabs exterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22. Each rectangular shapedtab free edge 45 that extends between the tab side edges 43, as shown inFIG. 7 , which is a top plan view of the flat strip ofmetal 102 from which thetubular body 22 is formed. The tab side edges 43 and tabfree edges 45 are shown inFIGS. 1, 6 , and 7. It is noted that thetabs FIGS. 1-6 are structurally the same. - Each of the rectangular shaped
tabs tubular body 22 along abend 44, with the bend being opposite the tabfree edge 45. Thebends 44 are closer to theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22 than the tabfree edge 45. Each of the rectangular shapedtabs exterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22, as shown inFIG. 2 . Also, the rectangular shapedtabs insertion end 32 of thetubular body tubular body 22, as shown inFIG. 2 . The rectangular shapedtabs tubular body 22, and are formed in thetubular body 22 such that they are opposite to thetube gap space 28, as shown inFIG. 6 . It is further noted that there areopenings 48, as shown inFIG. 2 , in thetubular body 22 under the rectangular shapedtabs exterior surface 26. - Then, when the
tubular body 22 is pounded into a drilled bore 50insertion end 32 first, the rectangular shapedtabs bends 44 in a direction toward theopenings 48 in thetubular body 22. In other words, the rectangular shapedtabs tubular body 22 from which they were punched, and thus they do not impede thetubular body 22 from being pounded into the drilled bore 50 in thewall 52 orceiling 54 of themine 56, as shown inFIG. 37 . Then, in the event of a mine cave-in or wall collapse, thetubular body 22 advantageously remains in place and supports themine wall 52 orceiling 54, since the rectangular shapedtabs tabs - The three rectangular shaped
tabs tubular body 22 about sixty inches long such that thefirst tab 40 a is about four inches from theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22, thesecond tab 40 b is about fourteen inches from theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22, and thethird tab 40 c is about twenty-four inches from theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22. The rectangular shapedtabs free edge 45 is about 1.0 inch. The rectangular shapedtabs stabilizer 20 that, when installed in a mine, can support greater loads than stabilizers having smooth exterior surfaces. Of course, the dimensions may differ in other embodiments. - The
friction stabilizer 20 further includes aweld ring 31 that in one embodiment is rectangular shaped, that is, its cross section is rectangular shaped as shown inFIGS. 31, 32 , and 32 a. The rectangular shapedweld ring 31 has a weldring gap space 39 andflat sides 31 a. The rectangular shapedweld ring 31 is positioned aroundexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 adjacent to the impact end 30 thereof, as shown inFIGS. 1-4 . The weldring gap space 39 is aligned with thetube gap space 28 defined in thetubular body 22. The rectangular shapedweld ring 31 is welded to theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22. Theweld 49 that joins thetubular body 22 and rectangular shapedweld ring 31 is best shown inFIG. 5 . It is noted that the weldring gap space 39 andtube gap space 28 allow for thetubular body 22 to be compressed as it is driven into the drilled bore 50 having abore diameter 51 less than the diameter of thetubular body 22. The rectangular shapedweld ring 31 is used for supporting aplate 58 in a manner to be described presently. In another embodiment, the rectangular shapedweld ring 31 and thetubular body 22 can be welded together, without thetube gap space 28 and weldring gap space 39 being aligned. -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of thetubular body 22 taken along cut line 5-5 ofFIG. 3 , andFIG. 6 is a sectional view of thetubular body 22 taken along cut line 6-6 ofFIG. 3 . - It is noted that a circular shaped
weld ring 37 having a circular shaped cross section, as shown inFIGS. 29, 30 , and 30 a, can be successfully used in accordance with the present invention. However, the rectangular shapedweld ring 31 having a rectangular shaped cross section advantageously provides for a higher quality weld. This is due to the fact that aspace 38 can form during the welding process under theweld 49 that joins the circular shapedweld ring 37 and theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22, as shown inFIG. 30 a. Additionally, to successfully weld the circular shapedweld ring 37 to thetubular body 22, the weld gun must be accurately positioned. However, such accurate positioning is oftentimes difficult to achieve, because the machinery that does the welding vibrates excessively. As a result, the majority of theweld 49 can end up on the circular shapedweld ring 37 or on theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22. Thus, theweld 49 may end up catching only one of the circular shapedweld ring 37 orexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22, and/or aspace 38 may be formed under theweld 49 as shown inFIG. 30 a. - The rectangular shaped
weld ring 31 shown inFIGS. 31, 32 , and 32 a advantageously hasflat sides 31 a. As a result there is nospace 38 between theflat surfaces 31 a rectangular shapedweld ring 31 and theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22, since these two surfaces make direct contact with one another leaving no room for aspace 38 to form under theweld 49. Thus, ahigh quality weld 49 can be made between theflat surfaces 31 a of the rectangular shapedweld ring 31 andexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22, even in the presence of the vibrations generated by the welding machines. - The above-described invention can be variously embodied.
FIGS. 8-12 generally show a second embodiment of thefriction stabilizer 20 a having rectangular shapedtabs 40. Thetubular body 22 a of the second embodiment is substantially the same as thetubular body 22 of the first embodiment, in that thetubular body 22 a comprises anexterior surface 26, first and secondgap space walls tube gap space 28, animpact end 30, aninsertion end 32, arectangular weld ring 31 having a weldring gap space 39, afirst portion 33, and asecond portion 34 having ataper 35 having anotch 36. Eachrectangular tab 40 of the second embodiment has parallel tab side edges 43 and a tabfree edge 45. The second embodiment comprises a row 128 of rectangular shapedtabs 40 that are joined to thetubular body 22 a at bends 44, and which are spaced from one another at predetermined spaced intervals, designated I inFIG. 9 , along the length L of thetubular body 22 a. It is noted that the row 128 extends from the side of thetubular body 22 a opposite thetube gap space 28. As shown inFIGS. 8-10 , there are five rectangular shapedtabs 40 in the row 128. Of course, in other embodiments, the row of tabs 128 may comprise fewer or more than five rectangular shapedtabs 40. -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the tubular body of the second embodiment taken along cut line 11-11 ofFIG. 10 , andFIG. 12 is a sectional view of the tubular body of the second embodiment taken along cut line 12-12 taken ofFIG. 8 . Thetubular body 22 a can be used for supporting thewalls 52 andceiling 54 of amine 56 in the same manner as previously described in connection with the first embodiment. -
FIGS. 13-17 generally show a third embodiment of thefriction stabilizer 20 b with tabs. In this embodiment, thetubular body 22 b comprises triangular shapedtabs 41. Thetubular body 22 b of the third embodiment is substantially the same as thetubular body 22 of the first embodiment, in that thetubular body 22 b comprises anexterior surface 26, first and secondgap space walls tube gap space 28, animpact end 30,insertion end 32, arectangular weld ring 31 having a weldring gap space 39, afirst portion 33, and asecond portion 34 having ataper 35 having a notch. Each triangular shapedtab 41 of the third embodiment has twoedges 46 that meet at apoint 47, thus forming a triangle shape. The triangular shapedtabs 41 are joined to thetubular body 22 b at bends 44, as shown. There is a row 129 of triangular shapedtabs 41 that extend from thetubular body 22 b at predetermined spaced intervals, designated I inFIG. 13 , along the length L of thetubular body 22 b. It is noted that the row 128 extends from the side of thetubular body 22 b opposite thetube gap space 28. As shown inFIGS. 13-17 , there are five triangular shapedtabs 41 in the row 130. In other embodiments, the row of triangular shaped tabs 130 may comprise fewer or more than five triangular shapedtabs 41. -
FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along cut line 16-16 ofFIG. 15 , andFIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along cut line 17-17 ofFIG. 13 . Thetubular body 22 b can be used in the same manner as described above in connection with the first embodiment for supporting thewalls 52 andceiling 54 of amine 56. -
FIGS. 18-22 generally show a fourth embodiment of thefriction stabilizer 20 c with tabs. In the fourth embodiment, thetubular body 22 c comprises a plurality of rows 128 of rectangular shapedtabs 40. The rectangular shapedtabs 40 in each row 128 are spaced from one another, and the rows 128 are spaced about ninety degrees from one another about theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 c, as viewed in sectionalFIGS. 21 and 22 . Thetubular body 22 c of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as thetubular body 22 of the first embodiment, in that thetubular body 22 c comprises anexterior surface 26, first and secondgap space walls tube gap space 28, animpact end 30,insertion end 32, arectangular weld ring 31 having a weldring gap space 39, afirst portion 33, and asecond portion 34 having ataper 35 having a notch. Each rectangular shapedtab 40 of the fourth embodiment is joined to thetubular body 22 c at abend 44, and extends in a direction toward theweld ring 31. As shown inFIGS. 18-22 there are three rows 128 of the rectangular shapedtabs 40, with five rectangular shapedtabs 40 per row. In other embodiments, there can even be more rows 128 of rectangular shapedtabs 40 provided for on thetubular body 22 c, or the number of rectangular shapedtabs 40 in each row may be increased or decreased. -
FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along cut line 21-21 ofFIG. 20 , andFIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along cut line 22-22 ofFIG. 18 . Thetubular body 22 c can be used in the same manner as described above in connection with the first embodiment for supporting thewalls 52 andceiling 54 of amine 56. -
FIGS. 23-27 generally show a fifth embodiment of thefriction stabilizer 20 d. In the fifth embodiment, thetubular body 22 d comprises a plurality of rows 130 of triangular shapedtabs 41. Thetubular body 22 d of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as thetubular body 22 of the third embodiment, in that thetubular body 22 d comprises anexterior surface 26, first and secondgap space walls tube gap space 28, animpact end 30,insertion end 32, arectangular weld ring 31 having a weldring gap space 39, afirst portion 33, and asecond portion 34 having ataper 35 having a notch. Each triangular shapedtab 41 of the fifth embodiment is joined to thetubular body 22 d at abend 44, and extends away from thetubular body 22 d. Theedges 46 of each triangular shapedtab 41 meet at apoint 47. As shown inFIGS. 23-25 there are three rows 130 of the triangular shapedtabs 41, with fivetabs 41 per row 130. The rows 130 of triangular shapedtabs 41 are spaced about ninety degrees from one another about theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 d, as viewed inFIGS. 26 and 27 . In yet other embodiments, there can even be more rows 130 of triangular shapedtabs 41 provided for on thetubular body 22 d. -
FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along cut line 26-26 ofFIG. 25 , andFIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along cut line 27-27 ofFIG. 23 . Thetubular body 22 d can be used in the same manner as described above in connection with the first embodiment for supporting thewalls 52 andceiling 54 of amine 56. - Shown in
FIG. 27A is a sixth embodiment of thefriction stabilizer 20 e wherein thetubular body 22 e has a plurality of differently shapedtabs 25. Thetabs 25 may be curved shaped tabs, rectangular shaped tabs, triangular shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, combinations of the above, or any other shaped tab that inhibits the withdrawal of thefriction stabilizer 20 e from the drilled bore 50 in themine 56. The above-describedtabs 25 may extend in patterns, rows, series, or randomly from theexterior surface 26 of thefriction stabilizer 20 e. As shown inFIG. 27A , a plurality of differently shapedtabs 25, as described above, extend from thefriction stabilizer 20 e. In other embodiments, asingle tab 25, for example a rectangular shapedtab 40 or a triangular shapedtab 41, may extend from theexterior surface 26 of thefriction stabilizer 20. The single tab may be any of the above shapes. Thus, the present invention has significant versatility and may be variously embodied, and all of these embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. - In a seventh embodiment shown in
FIGS. 38-45 , there is afriction stabilizer 20 f having atubular body 22 f. As shown inFIGS. 38-42 , thetubular body 22 f is elongate and has a first portion 33 abent portion 53 and asecond portion 34 with thebent portion 53 joining thefirst portion 33 and thesecond portion 34. Thetubular body 22 f is preferably formed as one piece. Thefirst portion 33 has animpact end 30 and thesecond portion 34 has an opposedinsertion end 32. Thefirst portion 33 also has aweld ring 31 joined to it with, for example aweld 49, and theweld ring 31 can have a rectangular or circular cross section. Thesecond portion 34 of thetubular body 22 f has ataper 35, and thetaper 35 extends from theinsertion end 32 in a direction toward theimpact end 30 until it meets with thebent portion 53. - In addition, the
tubular body 22 f includes aninterior surface 24 that is concave and an opposedexterior surface 26 that is convex, as shown inFIGS. 41 and 42 . Theinterior surface 24 defines astabilizer interior 23 that is internal to thetubular body 22 f. - As further shown in
FIGS. 38, 41 and 42, thetubular body 22 f has a firstgap space wall 27 and a secondgap space wall 29 which are spaced apart from one another and face one another. As shown inFIG. 39 , the first and secondgap space walls tubular body 22 f, designated L inFIG. 39 , from the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22 f to theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22 f. Atube gap space 28 extends from the firstgap space wall 27 to the secondgap space wall 29 and the length L of thetubular body 22 f, from theimpact end 30 to theinsertion end 32. As shown inFIGS. 40-43 , theweld ring 31 has a weldring gap space 39, and theweld ring 31 is welded to thefirst portion 33 with aweld 49, such that the weldring gap space 39 is diametrically opposite thetube gap space 28, as shown inFIG. 41 . - In addition, the
tubular body 22 f is capable of being compressed radially inward because of thetube gap space 28. In a manner to be described presently, the diameter of thetubular body 22 f designated D inFIG. 39 decreases when thetubular body 22 f is hammered into a drilled bore 50 having a smaller diameter, designated B inFIG. 43 , as will be described in greater detail presently. - As shown in
FIGS. 38, 39 and 42, anotch 36 is defined in thetaper 35 of thesecond portion 34 of thetubular body 22 f. Thenotch 36 extends from theinsertion end 32 partly into thesecond portion 34 of thetubular body 22 f. Thetaper 35 of thesecond portion 34 increases in the vicinity of thenotch 36. Thus, thetube gap space 28 decreases in thesecond portion 34 due to thetaper 35, andtube gap space 38 decreases an additional amount in the vicinity of thenotch 36. This facilitates introduction of thetubular body 22 f into the drilled bore 50. In addition, thenotch 36 allows thetaper 35 to be formed in thetubular body 22 f at theinsertion end 32 thereof when thetubular body 22 f is roll formed. After thetaper 35 is fitted into the drilled bore 50, the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22 f can be hammered causing thetubular body 22 f to move into the drilled bore 50. - The
tubular body 22 f has a thickness designated TT as shown inFIG. 41 which extends from theexterior surface 24 to the opposedinterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 f. - As shown in
FIGS. 38-40 and 42, thetubular body 22 f has a singleextendable tab 25 b that is joined to thefirst portion 32 of thetubular body 22 f with atab joining portion 180. Theextendable tab 25 b is positioned diametrically opposite thetube gap space 28. In addition, andextendable tab 25 b is proximal thebent portion 37. In particular, theextendable tab 25 b is positioned such that moving from right to left inFIGS. 38-40 , theinsertion end 32 is first encountered and then thesecond portion 34 is encountered. Next, thebent portion 53 is encountered, and then thefirst portion 33 is encountered with thetab joining portion 180 andextendable tab 25 b being encountered immediately thereafter. Thus, theextendable tab 25 b is proximal thebent portion 53, but not joined to thebend portion 53. In addition, theextendable tab 25 b extends in a direction leading away from theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22 f and in a direction leading towards the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22 f, as shown inFIGS. 38-40 . - As previously mentioned, the
tubular body 22 f is capable of compressing radially inward, for example when it is hammered into a drilled bore 50 having diameter less than that of thetubular body 22 f, as will be described presently. Thetube gap space 28 allows for such inward radial compression of thetubular body 22 f. Thus, thetubular body 22 f is capable of moving from a non-compressed position 190 (as shown inFIGS. 38-42 ) to acompressed position 192 when hammered into a drilled bore. - As shown in
FIGS. 38, 40 and 42, theextendable tab 25 b has aninterior tab surface 182 and an opposedexterior tab surface 184, and because theextendable tab 25 b is formed in thetubular body 22 f, it also has a thickness designated TT. Thetubular body 22 f has anopening 48 in which theextendable tab 25 b is partly positioned. In particular, when thetubular body 22 f is in thenon-compressed position 190 as shown inFIGS. 38-40 and 42, theextendable tab 25 b is partly positioned in theopening 48, and partly elevated with respect to the surroundingexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 f. As shown inFIGS. 39 and 42 , theextendable tab 25 b extends a minimal amount relative to the surroundingexterior surface 26 of the tubular body. Thus, theextendable tab 25 b is bent at the joiningportion 180 such that theextendable tab 25 b makes a makes a minimal angle with respect to the surroundingexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 f. As shown inFIGS. 39 and 42 , whentubular body 22 f is in thenon-compressed position 190, theextendable tab 25 b is partly in theopening 48 and partly raised or elevated a minimal amount relative to the surroundingexterior surface 26 of thefirst portion 33, as described above. - When the
tubular body 22 f is radially compressed and is moved to the compressed position 192 (for example when hammered into a drilled bore 50 as will be described presently and as shown inFIGS. 43 and 44 ), theextendable tab 25 b bends at the joiningportion 180, and theextendable tab 25 b moves out of theopening 48. Theextendable tab 25 b extends away from theexterior surface 26 thetubular body 22 f, such that theextendable tab 25 b makes an acute angle with theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 f. Thus, theextendable tab 25 b is caused to move out of theopening 48 when thetubular body 22 f is compressed, and is capable of moving from anon-extended position 183, as shown inFIGS. 38-40 and 42, when thetubular body 22 f is in thenon-compressed position 190, to anextended position 185, as shown inFIGS. 43 and 44 , when thetubular body 22 f is in thecompressed position 192. -
FIGS. 43 and 44 show thefriction stabilizer 20 f installed in a drilledbore 50. During installation theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22 f is introduced into the drilled bore 50, and theextendable tab 25 b is in the above-describednon-extended position 183. As hammering begins, thetube gap space 28 decreases and thetubular body 22 f begins to compress radially inward, and theextendable tab 25 b moves out of theopening 48 and moves to theextended position 185 such that it contacts the drilled bore 50. After hammering, theextendable tab 25 b engages the drilled bore thus increasing the axially holding capacity of thefriction stabilizer 20 f. - The
extendable tab 25 b positioned diametrically opposite thetube gap space 28 and proximal thebent portion 37, as described above, advantageously significantly increases the axial load bearing capacity of thetubular body 22 f. Twoextendable tabs 25 b each positioned diametrically opposite thetube gap space 28 and each proximal thebent portion 37 as described above also advantageously significantly increase the holding capacity or axial load bearing capacity of thefriction stabilizer 20 f. The secondextendable tab 25 b is shown in phantom lines inFIG. 40 , and as shown, theextendable tabs 25 b are proximal to one another. A thirdextendable tab 25 b could also be formed in thetubular body 22 f is the same manner as described above and in line with the otherextendable tabs 25 b. In other embodiments there can be more than threeextendable tabs 25 b each positioned diametrically opposite thetube gap space 28. - The
extendable tab 25 f can have any geometry, for example it can be rectangular shaped as shown inFIG. 38 a. It can also be triangle shaped, curved, polygonal or virtually any shape that can engage a drilledbore 50. - There are additional advantages associated with the
extendable tab 25 b. For example, thetubular body 22 f is safer to handle in the mine because theextendable tab 25 b is in thenon-extended position 183 prior to introduction into the drilled bore 50. Thus, there is a reduced likelihood that mine workers and factory works will be injured by theextendable tab 25 b. Another advantage is that theextendable tab 25 b does not extend outward from the surroundingexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 f until thetubular body 22 f has been hammered into the drilled bore 50, thus thefriction stabilizers 20 f can be neatly stacked for shipment. Another advantage is the increased axial holding capacity of thefriction stabilizer 20 f. - To manufacture the friction stabilizer with
tabs 20, reference is made to the schematic shown inFIG. 28 . The process or method begins with a coil of metal, preferably steel or asteel alloy 100. First, a planar or flat strip ofsteel 102 pulled from the steel coil, in the direction indicated by the arrows inFIG. 28 . Thestrip 102 has a width, designated W inFIG. 7 , that is about three inches wide in the first embodiment. In other embodiments, the width could be more than or less than three inches, depending on the particular application or customer requirement. - As the strip of
steel 102 is pulled from thecoil 100, it moves onto aconveyor 105. The strip ofsteel 102 passes through apressing machine 104 wherein the tab side edges 43 and tabfree edges 45 are pressed into the flat strip ofsteel 102. Pressing machines are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. It is to be understood that the tab side edges 43 andfree edges 45 may also be laser cut or otherwise formed in the sheet ofsteel 102 at this point in the manufacturing process, by the use of a laser or other device. The shape of thetab 25 is thus formed in the sheet ofsteel 102. It is to be further understood that any desired shape of thetab 25 could be formed by thepressing machine 104. - The
strip 102 is next moved byconveyor 105 through a punchingmachine 106 where thenotches 36 are punched out of or otherwise formed into theflat strip 102. Punchingmachines 106 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In another embodiment, thenotches 36 could be punched from thestrip 102 first, and then thetabs 40 pressed in thestrip 102. - A means for measuring 108 continuously measures the length of the
strip 102 prior to the punchingmachine 106 so that thenotch 36 can be punched in thestrip 102 at the desired position in thestrip 102. The final length of the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 is thus determined by thenotch 36 location in thestrip 102. Next, thestrip 102 passes from the punchingmachine 106 and is moved byconveyor 105 through a coldroll forming mill 110. The coldroll forming mill 110 comprises a series of stands having top and bottom rolling die 112 a, 112 b, respectively. Coldroll forming mills 110 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art. - As the
strip 102 progresses from stand to stand in thecold rolling mill 110 it is formed into atubular body 22 having the above-describedtube gap space 28. At the same time, the rectangular shapedtabs 40 begin to move away from theexterior surface 26 of the continuous tubular body 22 z that is being formed in thecold rolling mill 110. This is attributed to the fact that the natural spring constant of the steel, steel alloy, galvanized steel, or other metal from which the continuous tubular body 22 z, is made causes the rectangular shapedtabs 40 to extend from theexterior surface 26 thereof. It is noted that if the tabs do not extend out, then they may be mechanically pushed out of thetubular body 22. - As the continuous tubular body 22 z exits the cold
roll forming mill 110, thetabs 40 extend from it as previously described and it hasnotches 36, but still has to be cut to the predetermined length. The continuous tubular body 22 z is then moved byconveyor 105 through a cut-offpress 114, where thenotch 36 in thetubular body 22 signals the cut-offpress 114 to cut thetubular body 22 to the predetermined length at thenotch 36. The length of the tubular body may be about 60 inches as shown inFIG. 1 and described in the first embodiment, but in other embodiments, thetubular body 22 can be formed to have a length of 18 inches, 24 inches, over six feet, or any length required for the particular job, application, or customer order. - The
tubular body 22 is then placed onconveyor 105 and transported to aswaging station 116. At theswaging station 116, theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22, where thenotch 36 is located, has pressure applied to it such that thetaper 35 is formed at theinsertion end 32. It is noted that thenotch 36 provides the space for thetaper 35 to be formed in thesection portion 34 in theswaging station 116. - The
tubular body 22 is then moved by aconveyor 105 to awelding station 118. At thewelding station 118 the rectangular shapedweld ring 38 is fitted about the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22, such that the weldring gap space 39 aligns with thetube gap space 28. In another embodiment the weldring gap space 39 andtube gap space 28 are not aligned. While held in this position by the welding machine, thetubular body 22 andweld ring 38 are welded together, and thus joined by aweld 49.Welding stations 118 are well known to those having ordinary skill in that art. After welding, theweld ring 38 is joined with the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22. The weldring gap space 39 may be laser cut or punched out of theweld ring 38. - After exiting the
welding station 118, thetubular bodies 22 are moved byconveyor 105 to apacking station 120 having anautomatic packaging machine 121. Every othertubular body 22 is then turned end over end and automatically packaged inbundles 122 of, for example, sixtubular bodies 22, by theautomatic packaging machine 121.Automatic packaging machines 121 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Thebundles 122 are transported byconveyor 105 to a shipping station 124, placed incrates 126, and shipped. - After the friction stabilizer with
tabs 20 has been rolled and formed as described above, thetabs 40 may have sharp tab side edges 43 and tab free edges 45. Thus, another step that may be included in the process or method is a grinding step, which takes place prior to automatic packing of thetubular bodies 22. During the grinding step, any sharp tab side edges 43 and tabfree edges 45 are ground down and dulled, thus decreasing the likelihood of a worker being cut or injured by thetabs 40. - The same general method or process is carried out to make the other embodiments of the friction
stabilizer having tabs 20, described above. For each embodiment thepressing machine 104 would stamp, punch, or cut edges in the strip ofsteel 102 such that thetab 25 of desired shape may be formed (rectangular shaped tabs, triangular shaped tabs, curved shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, combinations of the above, or any other shaped tab that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 from the drilled bore 50 in the mine 56). - To make the
friction stabilizer 20 f having thetubular body 20 f with theextendable tab 25 b, reference is made to the schematic shown inFIG. 45 . The process or method begins with a coil of metal, preferably steel or asteel alloy 100. First, a planar or flat strip ofsteel 102 pulled from the steel coil, in the direction indicated by the arrows inFIG. 45 . Thestrip 102 has a width, designated W inFIG. 7 , that is about three inches wide in the first embodiment. In other embodiments, the width could be more than or less than three inches, depending on the particular application or customer requirement. - As the strip of
steel 102 is pulled from thecoil 100, it moves onto aconveyor 105. The strip ofsteel 102 passes through apressing machine 104 wherein theextendable tab 25 b is pressed, laser cut or otherwise defined in the flat strip ofsteel 102. Pressing machines are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. - The
strip 102 is next moved byconveyor 105 through a punchingmachine 106 where thenotches 36 are punched out of or otherwise formed into theflat strip 102. Punchingmachines 106 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In another embodiment, thenotches 36 could be punched from thestrip 102 first, and then thetabs 40 pressed in thestrip 102. - A means for measuring 108 continuously measures the length of the
strip 102 prior to the punchingmachine 106 so that thenotch 36 can be punched in thestrip 102 at the desired position in thestrip 102. The final length of the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 f is thus determined by thenotch 36 location in thestrip 102. - Next, the
strip 102 passes from the punchingmachine 106 and is moved byconveyor 105 through a coldroll forming mill 111. The coldroll forming mill 111 comprises a series of stands having top and bottom extendable tab rolling die 113 a, 113 b, respectively. As thestrip 102 progresses from stand to stand in thecold rolling mill 111 it is formed into atubular body 22 f having the above-describedtube gap space 28. During cold rolling theextendable tab 25 b extends from thestrip 102 only a minimal amount from theexterior surface 26 of the continuous tubular body 22 z that is being formed in thecold rolling mill 111. It is pointed out that this cold rolling is different from the above-described cold rolling, in that thetubular body 22 f is rolled such that the extendable tab 25 a does not fully extend outward during the cold rolling processes. That is, the cold rolling process is such that it prevents the full extension of theextendable tab 25 b. Rather, theextendable tab 25 b extends only a minimal amount from an exterior surface of the continuous tubular body 22 z. - The continuous tubular body 22 z is then moved by
conveyor 105 through a cut-offpress 114, where thenotch 36 in thetubular body 22 signals the cut-offpress 114 to cut thetubular body 22 f to the predetermined length at thenotch 36. The length of thetubular body 22 f may be about 60 inches as shown inFIG. 1 and described in the first embodiment, but in other embodiments, thetubular body 22 can be formed to have a length of 18 inches, 24 inches, over six feet, or any length required for the particular job, application, or customer order. - The
tubular body 22 f is then placed onconveyor 105 and transported to a swaging andring station 116. At the swaging andring station 116, theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22 f, where thenotch 36 is located, has pressure applied to it such that thetaper 35 is formed at theinsertion end 32, and the weld ring is positioned around the continuous tubular body 22 z. It is noted that thenotch 36 provides the space for thetaper 35 to be formed in thesection portion 34 in theswaging station 116. - The
tubular body 22 f is then moved by aconveyor 105 to awelding station 118. At thewelding station 118 theweld ring 38 is fitted about the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22 f, such that the weldring gap space 39 is diametrically opposite thetube gap space 28. While held in this position by the welding machine, thetubular body 22 andweld ring 31 are welded together, and thus joined by aweld 49. After welding, theweld ring 38 is joined with the impact end 30 of thetubular body 22. - After exiting the
welding station 118, thetubular bodies 22 f are moved byconveyor 105 to apacking station 120 having anautomatic packaging machine 121. Every othertubular body 22 is then turned end over end and automatically packaged inbundles 122 of, for example, sixtubular bodies 22 f, by theautomatic packaging machine 121. In addition, because theextendable tab 25 b is not extended, the bundles can be advantageously readily stacked.Automatic packaging machines 121 are known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Thebundles 122 are transported byconveyor 105 to a shipping station 124, placed incrates 126, and shipped. - To use the
friction stabilizer 20 with tabs, a drilled bore 50 is made in awall 52 orceiling 54 of amine 56 having afloor 55, as shown inFIG. 37 . It is understood that forming a drilled bore 50 in amine 56 is known to those having ordinary skill in the art. The drilled bores 50 are made in the 52 ceilings and/orwalls 54 of themine 56. The drilled bore 50 has a diameter, designated B inFIG. 37 , which is less than the diameter of thetubular body 22, designated S and shown inFIG. 4 . - As shown in
FIGS. 33 and 34 , aplate 58 having aplate opening 60 is provided. Theplate 58 hasplanar surfaces 59, and is of metal, preferably steel, steel alloys, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. Theplate opening 60 is sized such that thefriction stabilizer 22 can be moved through theopening 60. But, theweld ring 38 is too large to pass through theplate opening 60. Theplate 58 is positioned such that theopening 60 is brought into alignment with the drilled bore 50 thewall 52 orceiling 54, as the case may be, of themine 56, and held in that position. Since thetaper 35 at theinsertion end 32 of thetubular body 22 has a diameter less than the diameter, designated B, of the drilled bore 50, theinsertion end 30 of thetubular body 22 can be readily moved into the drilled bore 50. In particular, theinsertion end 32 is moved through theopening 60 in theplate 58, such that thetaper portion 34 is moved into the drilled bore 50. However, because the diameter, designated S, of the tubular body is greater than the diameter, designated B, of the drilled bore 50, thefirst portion 33 of thetubular body 22 must be driven into the drilled bore 50. - To accomplish this, the impact end 30 of the
tubular body 22 is driven by a pneumatic hammer, hydraulic hammer, or other means for hammering or driving (not shown) into the drilled bore 50. Thetubular body 22 compresses radially inward as it is driven into the drilled bore 50, such that thetube gap space 28 decreases. - Additionally, the
tabs 40 fold in a direction toward theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22, and do not resist insertion of thetubular body 22 into the drilled bore 50. As a result oftubular body 22 being driven into the lesser diameter drilled bore 50, thetubular body 22 compresses radially inward and thetube gap space 28 and weldring gap space 39 both decrease. Thetubular body 50 then exerts expanding forces against the adjacent surrounding drilledbore wall 51. - Also, in another embodiment shown in
FIGS. 35 and 36 , the plate can be a domed-shapedplate 64 having adomed portion 65. Thedomed portion 65 has anopening 67 for receiving thefriction stabilizer 20 there-through. Contact surfaces 69 are provided on thedomed plate 64 and are used for contacting thewall 52 orceiling 54 of themine 56. - It is noted that as the
stabilizer 20 with tabs is driven into the drilled bore 50, the rectangular shapedtabs 40 move downwardly toward thetubular body 22 and do not obstruct insertion into the drilled bore 50. However, once driven into the drilled bore 50, thetabs 40 force outwardly from thetubular body 22 due to the natural spring constant of the steel or other material from which the stabilizer withtabs 20 is made. Thetabs 40 contact the adjacent surrounding drilledbore wall 51 and dig into it, resulting in the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 being held in the drilled bore 50 by both a friction fit created by the expanding forces generated by thetubular body 22, and by thetabs 40 digging into the drilled bore 50. - Then, if force is applied to remove the friction stabilizer with
tabs 20, thetabs 40 immediately dig into the adjacent drilledbore wall 51 and work against removal of the stabilizer withtabs 20 from the drilled bore 50. This significantly reduces the likelihood that the stabilizer withtabs 20 will work its way out of the drilled bore 50 and advantageously significantly increases the amount of weight or force the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 can support. Thus the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 advantageously decreases the likelihood of a cave-in ofwalls 52 and/orceilings 54 of amine 56. - In addition, the
plate 58, which is trapped between theweld ring 38 andmine wall 52 orceiling 54 after installation, provides for additional support of the surroundingmine walls 52 andceilings 54, as the case may be. It is noted that theplate 58 is supported by theweld ring 38. Thus, if the rock above theplate 58 fractures and weakens, theplate 58 supports the rock, and theplate 58 in turn is supported by the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 in the drilled bore 50, and thetabs 40 advantageously constantly working against removal of the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 from the drilled bore 51. - The present invention also provided for a
mine support system 80. In particular, thefriction stabilizer 20 having tabs can be positioned and spaced from one another in drilled bores 50 that are spaced about three feet apart from one another in all directions, for example in thewalls 52 andceiling 54 of themine 56. Awire mesh 65 is provided. Thewire mesh 65 is positioned adjacent to thewalls 52 andceiling 54 of themine 56. Then theplates 58 are aligned with the drilled bores 50 in the manner described above. Next, thefriction stabilizer 20 is driven into the drilled bore 50 in the manner previously described. Thewire mesh 65 extends between all of theplates 58 in the mine and is trapped between theplates 58 and themine wall 52 andplates 58 andceiling 54. Thewire mesh 65 serves to support any rocks or debris that break off of thewalls 52 orceiling 54 of themine 56. The ability of thewire mesh 65 to support greater loads is advantageously increased, because the frictionstabilizer having tabs 40 can support a greater load from thewire mesh 65. Thus, the stabilizer withtabs 20 can be used as an integral part of amine support system 80 to preventmine 56 cave-ins. - It is noted that the above-described
support system 80 can be used in combination with any of the above-described embodiments of the frictionstabilizer having tabs 20. - As previously described, in other embodiments the
tabs 25 can be any of a plurality of different shapes (rectangular shaped tabs, triangular shaped tabs, curved shaped tabs, polygonal shaped tabs, U-shaped tabs, tabs having both curved portions and linear portions, semi-circular shaped tabs, hook shaped tabs, parabolic shaped tabs, combinations of the above, or any other shaped tab that inhibits the withdrawal of the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 from the drilled bore 50 in the mine 56). - Additionally, in other embodiments, the rectangular shaped
tabs 40 can be formed such that they extend from thetubular body 22 anywhere from theexterior surface 26 of thetubular body 22 including randomly or in patterns. The same is true with respect to all of the above-described differently shapedtabs 25, in that they may all extend from thetubular body 22 randomly or in patterns. Also, the number oftabs 25 can be varied regardless of the shape of thetab 25. In addition, the size of thetab 25 can be varied depending on the requirements of the particular application in which thestabilizer 20 will be deployed. In yet other embodiments asingle tab 25 having any of the above described shapes may extend from thetubular body 22. Also, in other embodiments the length of thetaper 35 of thesecond portion 34 may be increased or decreased. - With respect to the seventh embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 43 and 44 , during the hammering process thetubular body 22 f compresses radially inward as it is hammered into the drilled bore 50, and moves from thenon-compressed condition 190 to thecompressed condition 192. As this occurs, theextendable tab 25 b moves out of theopening 48. Stated differently, theextendable tab 25 b extends outward from thetubular body 22 f as thetubular body 22 f is hammered deeper into the drilled bore 50, and theextendable tab 25 b extends into the surrounding drilled bore 50. When hammering is complete, theextendable tab 25 b advantageously extends into the drilled bore 50 at a position deep inside the drilled bore 50, advantageously resulting in increased axial holding capacity of thefriction stabilizer 20 f which prevents mine collapse. - Also, the diameter of the
tubular body 22 of the friction stabilizer withtabs 20 may be more or less than an inch, but in other embodiments the diameter of the stabilizer may be customized to suit particular needs for a particular application. Thetubular body 22 can comprise various lengths L, for example the sixty inch length described above, or a length required for a particular application. For example, somemines 56 may requiretubular bodies 22 having lengths of twelve, eighteen, or forty inches, whereasother mines 56 may requiretubular bodies 22 having lengths of over two hundred inches. The frictionstabilizer having tabs 20 may be used in these mining applications. The material from which thestabilizer 20 andweld ring 38 are made comprises metal, such as steel, steel alloys, galvanized steel, high strength steel, metal and metal alloys. - Although a
friction stabilizer 20 with tabs has been described, the present invention could be otherwise embodied without departing from the principles thereof, and all such embodiments come with the scope and sprit of the present invention for afriction stabilizer 20 having tabs.
Claims (20)
1. A friction stabilizer for installation in a structural body, the friction stabilizer comprising:
a) a tubular body comprising a first portion a bent portion and a second portion with and the bent portion joining the first portion and second portion,
c) a joining portion joins an extendable tab to the first portion such that the extendable tab is proximal the bent portion.
2. The friction stabilizer according to claim 1 wherein the tubular body has a tube gap space and an opening diametrically opposite the tube gap space and the extendable tab extends from the joining portion into the opening such that the extendable tab is diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
3. The friction stabilizer according to claim 2 wherein the tubular body is movable from an uncompressed position to a compressed position, such that when in the tubular body is in the uncompressed position the extendable tab is partly positioned in the opening.
4. The friction stabilizer according to claim 2 wherein the tubular body has an exterior surface and the tubular body is movable from an uncompressed position to a compressed position and when in the uncompressed position the extendable tab is elevated a minimal amount relative to the surrounding exterior surface of the tubular body.
5. The friction stabilizer according to claim 3 wherein the extendable tab extends outward from the tubular body when the tubular body is in the compressed position.
6. The friction stabilizer according to claim 4 wherein the extendable tab extends outward from the tubular body when the tubular body is in the compressed position
7. The friction stabilizer according to claim 2 further including an insertion end and an opposed impact end with a weld ring having a weld ring gap space joined to the impact end such that the weld ring gap space is diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
8. The friction stabilizer according to claim 7 wherein the extendable tab extends in a direction toward the impact end and away from the insertion end.
9. The friction stabilizer according to claim 2 further comprising another extendable tab proximal the extendable tab and positioned diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
10. The friction stabilizer according to claim 4 wherein the extendable tab has a rectangular shape.
11. The friction stabilizer according to claim 4 wherein the extendable tab has a triangular shaped tab.
12. The friction stabilizer according to claim 4 wherein the extendable tab has a polygonal shape.
13. The friction stabilizer according to claim 4 wherein the tab has a curved shape.
14. A method of making a friction stabilizer for installation in a structural body, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a coil of metal and unrolling the coil of metal into a strip,
pressing the shape of an extendable tab to be formed into the strip of metal such that the extendable tab is joined to the strip of metal with a joining portion,
moving the strip of metal through cold rolling dies and roll forming the strip of steel into a tubular body having a tube gap space with an exterior surface such that the extendable tab is diametrically opposite the tube gap space.
15. The method according to claim 14 further including:
roll forming the strip to have a first portion with an impact end, a second portion with an insertion end, and a bent portion that joins the first and second portions and forming the extendable tab in the first portion proximal the bent portion.
16. The method according to claim 15 further comprising:
forming the first portion such that the extendable tab is elevated a minimal amount relative to the surrounding exterior surface.
17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the step of pressing the shape of the extendable tab into the strip of metal such that the extendable tab extends in a direction toward the impact end and away from the insertion end of the tubular body.
18. The method according to claim 15 further comprising:
forming the first portion with an opening such that the extendable tab is partly positioned in the opening.
19. The method according to claim 15 further comprising aligning a weld ring having a weld ring gap space with the impact end such that the weld ring gap space is diametrically opposite the tube gap space and welding the weld ring to the impact end.
20. A method of supporting a mine having at least one drilled bore from caving-in, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a friction stabilizer having a tubular body with a tube gap space such that the tubular body is capable of moving between an uncompressed position and a compressed position,
providing the tubular body with a first portion having an impact end and a second portion having a taper and joining the first and second portions with a bent portion,
providing the first portion with an impact end and the second portion with an insertion end and providing the tubular body with a tube gap space,
providing the tubular body with an exterior surface and providing the first portion with an opening proximal the bent portion,
providing a joining portion and joining an extendable tab to the first portion such that the extendable tab is proximal the bent portion and partly positioned in the opening, with the extendable tab extending in a direction toward the impact end and elevated a minimal amount relative to the exterior surface of the tubular body when the tubular body is in the uncompressed position and wherein the extendable tab is diametrically opposite the tube gap space,
aligning the impact end of the tubular body with the drilled bore and hammering the impact end of the tubular body and driving the tubular body into the drilled bore such that the tubular body compresses radially inward and moves from the uncompressed position to the compressed position such the extendable tab moves out of the opening and engages the drilled bore to support axial loads imparted thereon by the mine.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/633,907 US20070196183A1 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2006-12-05 | Friction stabilizer with tabs |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US50736603P | 2003-09-30 | 2003-09-30 | |
US10/946,468 US20050069388A1 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2004-09-21 | Friction stabilizer with tabs |
US11/633,907 US20070196183A1 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2006-12-05 | Friction stabilizer with tabs |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/946,468 Continuation-In-Part US20050069388A1 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2004-09-21 | Friction stabilizer with tabs |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070196183A1 true US20070196183A1 (en) | 2007-08-23 |
Family
ID=34713624
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/633,907 Abandoned US20070196183A1 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2006-12-05 | Friction stabilizer with tabs |
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US (1) | US20070196183A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20120163924A1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2012-06-28 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Friction bolt |
CN102635320A (en) * | 2012-05-21 | 2012-08-15 | 重庆松藻煤电有限责任公司 | Quick arc-shaped raised-edge drill rod dismounting device and method |
US20170107815A1 (en) * | 2014-06-13 | 2017-04-20 | Sandvik Intelectual Property Ab | Friction bolt |
US9863248B2 (en) * | 2015-04-23 | 2018-01-09 | Jason L. Moon | Friction bolt |
US10358921B2 (en) * | 2015-07-21 | 2019-07-23 | Ncm Innovations (Pty) Ltd. | Radially expansible rock bolt |
US10677057B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2020-06-09 | Ncm Innovations (Pty) Ltd | Pneumatic drill installed rock anchor |
US11536137B2 (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2022-12-27 | Saltus Mining Africa (Pty) Limited | Light weight rockbolt components and a non-metallic rockbolt |
-
2006
- 2006-12-05 US US11/633,907 patent/US20070196183A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120163924A1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2012-06-28 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Friction bolt |
US8714883B2 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2014-05-06 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Friction bolt |
CN102635320A (en) * | 2012-05-21 | 2012-08-15 | 重庆松藻煤电有限责任公司 | Quick arc-shaped raised-edge drill rod dismounting device and method |
US20170107815A1 (en) * | 2014-06-13 | 2017-04-20 | Sandvik Intelectual Property Ab | Friction bolt |
US9797249B2 (en) * | 2014-06-13 | 2017-10-24 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Friction bolt |
US9863248B2 (en) * | 2015-04-23 | 2018-01-09 | Jason L. Moon | Friction bolt |
US10358921B2 (en) * | 2015-07-21 | 2019-07-23 | Ncm Innovations (Pty) Ltd. | Radially expansible rock bolt |
US10677057B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2020-06-09 | Ncm Innovations (Pty) Ltd | Pneumatic drill installed rock anchor |
US11536137B2 (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2022-12-27 | Saltus Mining Africa (Pty) Limited | Light weight rockbolt components and a non-metallic rockbolt |
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