Storage rack for mine tools with enhanced connectivity and related methods

Abstract

An apparatus for use with a mining machine for storing tools in a convenient manner. A first mining tool includes a first connector adapted to connect with the mining machine, such as by connecting parallel bars with receivers on a head end of a boom. A storage rack is provided for storing the first mining tool in a manner that facilitates ready attachment with the mining machine. The storage rack also includes a second connector adapted to connect itself with the mining machine, which may be by connecting parallel bars with receivers on a head end of a boom, similar to the manner in which the first mining tool is connected. Related methods are also disclosed.

1 . An apparatus for use with a mining machine, comprising:
 a first mining tool having a first connector adapted to connect with the mining machine; and   a storage rack for storing the first mining tool, the storage rack having a second connector adapted to connect with the mining machine.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector each comprise a pair of generally parallel bars for connecting with receivers on a boom of the mining machine. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a second mining tool having a third connector adapted to connect with the mining machine. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the storage rack is adapted for storing the second mining tool. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the third connector comprises a pair of generally parallel bars for forming a connection with receivers on a boom of the mining machine. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the storage rack comprises a plurality of compartments, each for storing a mining tool in a manner that facilitates connection to the mining machine. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first mining tool comprises a scaler. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first mining tool comprises a cutter. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for use with a mining machine, comprising:
 a storage rack for storing a plurality of mining tools, each adapted to connect to the mining machine, the storage rack further adapted to connect with the mining machine in the same manner as each of the plurality of mining tools.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the storage rack further includes a connector adapted to connect with the mining machine. 
     
     
         11 . The storage rack of  claim 10 , wherein the connector comprises a pair of generally parallel bars for forming a connection with receivers on a boom of the mining machine. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the storage rack comprises a plurality of compartments, each for storing one mining tool of the plurality of mining tools in a manner that facilitates connection to the mining machine. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the storage rack includes vertically spaced shelves for supporting upper and lower portions of at least one mining tool. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for use with a mining machine having a boom, comprising:
 a storage rack for storing a plurality of mining tools, the storage rack including a first connector adapted for connecting to the boom of the mining machine.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the connector comprises a pair of generally parallel bars, and the mining machine boom includes hooks for engaging the generally parallel bars of the connector. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further including at least one mining tool having a second connector for connecting to the mining machine boom. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further including a plurality of mining tools, each having a connector for connecting to the mining machine. 
     
     
         18 . A method for storing mine tools for use by a mining machine, comprising:
 connecting the mining machine to a first mining tool in a storage rack including a plurality of mining tools;   using the first mining tool to perform a mining operation;   placing the first mining tool in the storage rack and disconnecting the first tool from the mining machine; and   connecting the storage rack to the mining machine and transporting the storage rack about using the mining machine.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of connecting the storage rack to the mining machine is completed prior to the step of connecting the mining machine to the first mining tool, and further including the step of disconnecting the storage rack from the mining machine prior to the step of connecting the mining machine to the first mining tool. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further including the step of connecting and disconnecting the mining machine to a second mining tool in the storage rack after the placing step.