Improved prop assemblies

Abstract

New prop assemblies, suitable for a range of uses, including in mines and construction, have a pole subassembly. The pole subassembly includes:a first prop part and a second prop part, the first prop part being axially movable with respect to the second prop part;a first extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a first adjustment with respect to the second prop part; and either or both:a second extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a second adjustment with respect to the second prop part; ora third extending means, adapted to adjust a length of the prop assembly.

1 . A prop assembly including:
 a pole subassembly having a first prop part and a second prop part, the first prop part being axially movable with respect to the second prop part;   a first extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a first adjustment with respect to the second prop part; and either:   a second extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a second adjustment with respect to the second prop part; or   a third extending means, adapted to adjust a length of the prop assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The prop assembly of  claim 1  which includes a foot at either or both a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         3 . The prop assembly of  claim 2  which includes a foot at each of the first end and second ends, wherein the foot at the first end is the same as or different from the foot at the second end. 
     
     
         4 . The prop assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the or each foot is fixed relative to the pole assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The prop assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the or each foot is pivotable relative to the pole assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The prop assembly of  claim 1  which includes a spike at either or both a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         7 . The prop assembly of  claim 1 , configured to be used in a substantially vertical position in a mining environment. 
     
     
         8 . The prop assembly of  claim 1 , configured to be used at an angle as well as in a substantially vertical position, in a construction environment. 
     
     
         9 . The prop assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first extending means has a quick release mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The prop assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second extending means has a winding mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The prop assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second extending means is a spring-loaded extension. 
     
     
         12 . The prop assembly of  claim 1 , in which the first and second extending means are combined in a winding mechanism, which is capable of two speeds. 
     
     
         13 . The prop assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the winding mechanism has a crank handle adapted to be disabled when not in use. 
     
     
         14 . The prop assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the crank handle is lockable. 
     
     
         15 . The prop assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the third extending means is a spring-loaded foot, located at a first end or a second end of the assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The prop assembly of  claim 1  which includes the first extending means, the second extending means and the third extending means. 
     
     
         17 . A modular foot assembly for a hollow end of a prop assembly, the foot assembly including a subassembly adapted to be removably secured within the hollow end and including a spike or a plate which protrudes from the hollow end in use and means for retaining the spike or plate in the sub-assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The modular foot of  claim 17 , wherein the prop assembly is the assembly claimed in  claim 1 .