Polymer grid for supplemental roof and rib support of combustible underground openings
AssigneeThe Tensar Corporation
InventorsRonald P. Anderson, Kenneth W. Miller, William S. Shelton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high-strength, lightweight flame-retardant and/or self-extinguishing polymer grid is provided for supplemental support of the roof and ribs of a combustible underground opening, such as within a coal mine, to prevent roof materials from falling and/or rib materials from spalling. The preferred polymer grid structure is formed of a polypropylene compounded with flame retardant additives.
Claims9
In combination, a combustible underground opening and a polymer grid structure, said opening being defined by a roof, sidewalls, and a floor, said polymer grid structure being supported relative to at least at portion of said roof and sidewalls to prevent debris and spalls from falling onto the floor, said polymer grid structure including a flame retardant additive for preventing initiation of a spark which could initiate a fire or explosion within said combustible underground opening and for preventing propagation of a fire within said grid structure by a fire initiated elsewhere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.