Materials pod for mining machine and related methods

Abstract

An apparatus for holding materials for use in connection with a mining machine and for being transported to or from the mining machine by a vehicle. The apparatus may comprise a pod including a base portion having a floor for supporting the materials. The pod may further include a connector adapted for connecting with the vehicle for transporting the pod to and from the mining machine. A vehicle having a receiver for receiving a portion of the pod includes a latch for latching with the connector. The pod may also have a tapered lower portion for creating a space with the floor for receiving a lifter, such as a bucket on a hauler or the like.

1 . An apparatus for holding materials for use in connection with a mining machine and for being transported to or from the mining machine by a vehicle, comprising:
 a materials pod including a base portion for supporting the materials and an open upper end for providing access to the materials in the pod, the materials pod further including a connector projecting therefrom, the connector adapted for connecting to the vehicle for transporting the materials pod to and from the mining machine.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises a lifter having a bucket, and the pod comprises a tapered portion adapted for engaging the bucket. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pod comprises spaced arms adapted for supporting the connector. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a receiver adapted for receiving the materials pod, the receiver including at least one open side for receiving the materials pod and an opposing end wall for engaging the materials pod in a nested condition. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a hinge for moving the connector from an operative position to a retracted position. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for holding materials for use in a mining operation, comprising:
 a mining machine having a support; and   a materials pod supported by the support, the materials pod having an overhang for extending beyond a perimeter of the support in an operative position.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the materials pod comprises a tapered portion adapted for engaging a bucket associated with a lifter. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the materials pod comprises spaced arms projecting from a wall thereof and supporting a connector extending transverse to the wall. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the support comprises a receiver including at least one open side for receiving the materials pod and an opposing end wall for engaging the materials pod in a nested position. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the open side is bounded by flared sidewalls of the receiver for guiding the materials pod to the nested position. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the mining machine includes a latch for latching to the materials pod. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the mining machine comprises a bolter. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further including a hinge for moving the overhang from the operative position to a travel position. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for holding materials for use in connection with a mining operation, comprising:
 a materials pod including a base portion for supporting the materials, the materials pod further including a connector; and   a vehicle having a receiver for receiving a portion of the materials pod, the vehicle including a latch for latching with the connector.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the vehicle comprises an LHD and the receiver comprises a bucket. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein materials pod comprises a tapered portion for engaging the bucket. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the materials pod comprises spaced arms supporting the connector. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for holding materials for use in connection with a mining machine in a mine passage having a floor, comprising:
 a materials pod having an open upper portion for receiving the materials and a tapered lower portion for forming a space between the materials pod and the floor of the mine passage.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further including a lifter adapted for positioning in the space. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the materials pod comprises a plurality of arms extending from the pod, the arms supporting a connector for connecting the materials pod to a lifter.