AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) APPLICATION NO: LODGED: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: ACCEPTED: PUBLISHED: RELATED ART: NAME OF APPLICANT: Shane O'Driscoll ACTUAL INVENTOR: Shane O'Driscoll ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: LORD AND COMPANY, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, of PO Box 530, West Perth, Western Australia, 6872, AUSTRALIA. INVENTION TITLE: "SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S: Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2012905369 filed on 10 December 2012 and Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2013902133 filed on 1 June 2013 The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us: TITLE "SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM" FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a supporting apparatus and system for use in supporting mining equipment, in particular the present invention relates to a supporting apparatus and system for use in supporting signage and/or equipment from a rock body. BACKGROUND [0002] It is known for signage to be displayed in an underground or mining environment in order to improve work place practices and safety. Due to the harsh and robust environment of an underground or mining work place, signage, particularly danger and safety signage for example, can soon become dirty, worn and/or damaged and must be replaced. [0003] It is known for signage to be prominently displayed in active working areas of an underground mining operation. With improvements in mining efficiencies the active working areas of a mine are constantly changing and signage and equipment is continuously moved about the mine to new working areas, and removed or replaced from areas where it is no longer required. This is particularly the case in mines where drilling equipment such as a jumbo drilling rig is used for example. [0004] It is known to use an "L" pin or "L" shaped bar (as seen in Figure Ia) that is arranged in a mine to support equipment, such as air or water conduits, cables, or other equipment for example. The L shaped bar is installed by inserting a first end of the bar into a bore hole pre-drilled into a mine wall or other rock body (as seen in Figure 1b). The bar is secured in position with a second end projecting outwardly from the wall in an upright position by using a wedge, typically made from wood. The wedge is forced into the bore hole to hold the L shaped bar in position. 2 Equipment and/or signage is then rested upon the second end of the L pin and is supported in position above a mine floor. [0005] Problems arise with known "L" pin apparatus and methods due to the wedge becoming loose whereby the pin is permitted to either work free from the bore hole or rotate within the bore hole and is therefore no longer useful for restrain or support the signage or equipment unless it is removed, re-positioned and re-secured in place. [0006] The use and movement of heavy equipment in confined areas such as mines is also problematical. It is common for a known rigid "L" pin support to contact with the heavy equipment operating in the limited spaces of the mine and become damaged or bent. When a known support is damaged and/or bent it can no longer perform its desired function and can even become a danger to other equipment or personnel in the mine. [0007] It is also known to use a service hanger which comprises an eyelet at one end that can be supported by an "L" pin, rock bolt or other projection. The service hanger provides a plurality of fingers spaced along its length which are adapted to support mining equipment. Problems arise with the service hanger in that over time it also becomes loose under the weight of the supported equipment leading to the service hanger falling from the mine wall and/or the fingers of the service hanger becoming distorted over time. [0008] Such known supports are only partially effective in displaying signage as the disposition of a sign changes as the service hanger becomes distorted or the "L" pin becomes loose. This results in signage that is no longer prominently displayed and the safety of persons and/or equipment may be compromised. [0009] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous methods and apparatus for supporting signage and/or mining equipment from a rock body. 3 [0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide supporting apparatus comprising a removable elongate arm for use in supporting an object from a rock body. [00111 It is a further object of the present invention to provide supporting apparatus having a pivotable elongate arm for use in supporting signage or equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a supporting apparatus, for use in supporting an object from a rock body, the apparatus having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprises anchor means adapted to be restrained within a bore hole of a rock body, and the second portion comprises support means for receiving and limiting a movement of the object, wherein the anchor portion is fitted to a bore hole such that the support means substantially protrudes from the rock body, whereby a weight of the object supported is substantially transferred to the rock body via the anchor portion. [0013] Preferably the object comprises equipment, conduits and/or signage [0014] Preferably the support means comprises a load bearing elongate member. [0015] Preferably the apparatus comprises engagement means adapted for providing a relative movement between the first portion and the second portion. [0016] Preferably the first portion and the second portion may be selectively disengaged from one another. [0017] Preferably the anchor means comprises a distal end and an opposed proximal end, the distal end being adapted to be received within the bore hole and restrained therein, the proximal end comprising engagement means. 4 [0018] Preferably the support means comprises a distal end and an opposed proximal end, the distal end comprising an elongate member adapted to communicate with an object to be supported, the proximal end comprising complementary engagement means. [0019] Preferably the anchor means comprises a rock bolt configuration and more preferably a friction stabilizer configuration. [0020] Preferably the elongate member comprises a substantially rigid length with connection means for facilitating attachment to the object to be supported. [0021] Preferably the connection means comprises a first ring and a second ring, the first ring being substantially fixed to the elongate member and a second ring being slidably attached to the elongate member, the first and second rings providing at least two connecting points with the supported object. [0022] Preferably the support means substantially comprises a generally horizontal disposition. [0023] In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for supporting an object from a rock body, the system comprising the steps of: providing a rock bolt having a first portion adapted to be received into a bore hole, and a second portion adapted to substantially protrude from the rock body; providing the second portion with a load bearing support means for receiving and limiting a movement of an object to be supported; fitting the rock bolt to a bore hole; and, fitting the object to the supporting means. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show a prior art "L" pin; Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show an alternate prior art "L" pin; Figures 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c) each show alternate support means in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an anchor portion in accordance with the present invention; Figures 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) each show a side view of the supporting apparatus corresponding with Figures 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c); and Figure 6 shows a side view of the supporting apparatus of Figure 3(b) in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0025] Referring to Figures 3 to 6 there are shown preferred embodiments of an apparatus 10 for use in supporting an object 25 having a weight from a rock body 40. The supported object 25 may comprise any equipment used in an underground or mining environment such as for example air and water conduits, equipment cabling, electricity cabling and signage including danger and safety signs. [00261 The apparatus 10 comprises a first portion 13 and a second portion 15. The first portion 13 comprises anchor means for connection to a rock body 40 and the second portion 15 comprises load bearing support means for supporting the object 25 at a predetermined height with respect to the first portion 13 and/or a predetermined distance from the rock body 40. [0027] As can be seen in Figure 4, anchor means are disposed on the first portion 13 between a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. The anchor means are adapted to have a configuration for facilitating a fitting of at least a portion of the first portion 13 to a bore hole within the rock body 40 as can seen in Figures 5 and 6. 6 [0028] In the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures the anchor means preferably comprise a friction stabilizer rock bolt configuration dimensioned to provide an interference fit between the borehole and the distal end 14. The anchor means comprises at least a wall 18 arranged with an outer diameter that is substantially greater than a diameter of the bore hole into which the first portion 13 is to be fitted. Upon a forceful installation of the apparatus 10 into the bore hole the wall 18 is exposed to a compressive force. The interference fit generates a pressure between the wall 18 and an inner surface of the bore hole for limiting a movement between the first portion 13 and the bore hole. [0029] It should be understood that the pressure results in a frictional force between the apparatus 10 and the inner surface of the bore hole that is capable of substantially restraining the first portion 13 within the bore hole and substantially limiting a rotation of the first portion 13 with respect to the bore hole. [00301 Preferably the distal end 14 comprises a tapered extremity such that a width of the first portion 13 increases toward the proximal end 16. In alternative embodiment the first portion 13 may be reinforced by providing a substantially rigid and resilient member 19 about the proximal end 16. As indicated in Figure 4 the member 19 may inserted into the proximal end 16 and be located in position by a fictional communication with adjacent portions of wall 18. It will be appreciated the member 19 may have an aperture corresponding with orifice 24. The member 19 may be removably fitted or be securely fixed in place using known means including welding, crimping or mechanical fasteners. It is to be understood that the member 19 assists in maintaining the structural integrity of the first portion 13 and may also assist to receive and support the second portion 15. Preferably member 19 will comprise a mild steel material of dimensions 50mm x 80mm x 3mm. [0031] In alternate embodiments of the present invention the anchor means of the first portion 13 may have an alternative configuration such as a known expansion bolt or wedge bolt for example. It will be appreciated that for the preferred embodiments or 7 further alternative embodiments known chemical means such as concrete, grout or an epoxy resin for example may be used to securing the first portion 13 in position within the bore hole. [0032] As shown in Figure 4 the first portion 13 further comprises engagement means for connecting with complementary engagement means disposed upon the second portion 15. In the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures 4 and 5 the engagement means comprises an orifice 24 passing through the proximal end 16 of the first portion 13. The orifice 24 is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second portion 15 therein for connecting the first and second portions 13, 15 together. [0033] It is envisaged that the engagement means may comprise a crimped or generally flattened surface 20 disposed at the proximal end 16 of the first portion 13 through which the orifice 24 passes. This configuration requires a simple and generally horizontal alignment of the surface 20 during installation into a bore hole such that the second portion 15 can be easily be located within the proximal end 16 orifice 24. [0034] However it is to be understood that alternative embodiments of the present invention may comprise anchor means having different profiles including a substantially constant cross section along a length of the first portion 13 for example. Such alternative embodiments are to be considered within the scope of the present invention. [0035] In yet a further embodiment (not shown) the apparatus 10 may comprise a first portion 13 comprising anchor means and a second portion 15 comprising support means wherein the first portion 13 and the second portion 15 are integral. [0036] It is envisaged that the anchor means of the present invention will comprise a resilient material such as mild steel for example. In a preferred embodiment an overall length of the anchor means is between 200 mm to 400 mm and a length of the surface 20 is around 100 mm. It will be appreciated that the diameter of the anchor 8 means will be complementary to the bore hole, typically the surface 20 may have a width greater than the anchor means and may in use be used to limit an insertion of the first portion 13 into the bore hole by coming into an abutment with the rock body 40. [0037] Further, the peripheral extremity of the distal end 14 will typically have a lesser diameter, typically between 35 mm and 43 mm for example, for assisting an operator in locating the first portion 13 and anchor means within the bore hole. The outer diameter of the anchor means may taper out to a larger diameter of around 55 mm approximately midway along the anchor means. [0038] It should be understood that the given dimensions may be varied as required depending on, for example, the conditions of the rock body 40 and the type and mass of equipment to be supported. However it should be understood that the present invention is not intended to provide structural support to the rock body 40, however alternate embodiments may be provided with anchor means having greater length which do provide a structural integrity to the rock body 40 in use. [0039] The second portion 15 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably comprises a load bearing and elongate member 32. The member 32 may be configured as a rigid bar having a first span 34 and a second span 36 connected together and spaced apart by an intermediate span 38. An overall length of the member 32 is preferably around 600mm to 750mm however it should be understood that this dimension may be varied to suit any particular or desired application. [0040] As seen in Figure 3(a) and 3(b), the member 32 may comprise a continuous length of bar steel or similar resilient and rigid material. The member 32 comprises complementary engagement means arranged to communicate with the engagement means of the first portion 13 such that the first and second portions 13, 15 can be connected together. The engagement means of the second portion 15 comprises at least one span 34, 36, 38 of the member 32 and in a preferred embodiment at least one elbow 35, 37. 9 [00411 In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3 (b) the engagement means comprises the first span 34 and elbow 35. The elbow 35 is arranged to space apart the first span 34 and the intermediate span 38, In alternative embodiments the engagement means may comprises the second span 36. It should be understood that in either configuration wherein at least one span 34, 36 is received through the orifice 24 the intermediate span 38 is arranged to be generally horizontal. [0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3(a) the first and intermediate spans 34, 38 are spaced apart by elbow 35 and the intermediate and second spans 38, 36 are spaced apart by the elbow 37. In this embodiment each of the spans 34, 36, 38 have substantially the same length and each of the elbows 35, 37 provide a substantial angle of around 90* between adjacent spans. Alternate embodiments may comprise a second portion 15 having spans, or elbows of various and differing dimensions. [0043] In the embodiment shown in the Figures 3(b) the first span 34 involves a length of around 120 mm. The elbow 35 provides a substantial angle of around 125* between the adjacent spans 34, 38. [0044] The second portion 15 preferably comprises a substantially constant circular cross sectional configuration along the spans of the member 32, However it is to be understood that the member 32 may have any desired cross sectional area and may be hollow or solid. [0045] In an alternate embodiment of the second portion 15 as seen in Figure 3 (c) the second portion 15 comprises a first span 34 connecting with an intermediate span 38 via elbow 35. The intermediate span 38 connects with the second span 36 via elbow 37. It can be seen that the second span 36 comprises one or more fingers 39 extending from the second span 36. The fingers 39 are preferably configured to receive and support the object 25. It will be appreciated that the fingers 39 may further comprise an upwardly inclined portion which may in use be used to restrain the object 25 in position on the second portion 15. 10 [0046] It should be understood that the design, cross sectional shape and/or dimensions of the member 32 may vary in alternate embodiments. [0047] In accordance with a preferred embodiment the engagement means comprises an engaged position wherein one span 34, 36, typically arranged to have a generally vertical or substantially downward orientation, is arranged to extend through the orifice 24. Preferably a substantial length of the span 34, 36 extends through the orifice 24 such that a portion of the member 32 abuts with the surface 20 as seen in Figure 5. The member 32 and the anchor means are thereby maintained in the engaged position by the force of gravity however the engagement means may further comprise additional restraining integers known in the art such as a circlip, pin, or lock nut for example which may also be used to hold the first 13 and second portions 15 in the engaged position. [0048] It will be understood that the engagement means may permit a relative movement such as a pivoting or swivelling of the second portion 15 with respect to the first portion 13 about an axis of the orifice 24. It should also be understood that this advantageous feature minimises damage occurring to the apparatus 10 in use. In the event of contact between the apparatus 10 and moving mining equipment the member 32 can pivot about the axis of orifice 24 thereby minimising an impact and undesired damage or wear occurring. [0049] In a preferred engaged position the first and second portions 13, 15 are connected together such that the intermediate span 38 runs generally parallel with a plane of the surface 20 which in use is in a generally horizontal plane. [0050] The intermediate span 38 may be collinear with the peripheral second span 36 as seen in Figure 3(b) or may connect with the second span 36 via a further elbow 37 as seen in Figure 3(a) and 3(c). 11 [00511 In a preferred embodiment the support means may further comprise connection means for facilitating a connection between the supporting apparatus 10 and the object 25 to be supported, such as signage/equipment for example, as can be seen in Figure 6. [0052] In the preferred embodiment the connection means comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of connectors 52 spaced along the elongate member 32. As seen in Figure 6 a first connector 52a is disposed proximal the first portion 13 of the apparatus 10. The first connector 52 may comprise a fixed hook or ring 54 that is preferably securely fixed in position on the member 32 by welding or threaded fasteners for example. Preferably the connector 52a is fixed to the second portion 15 at around 85 mm from the elbow 35 and provides a point for use in attaching, or linking signage and/or equipment. [0053] One or more further connectors 52b may be spaced along the member 32 and are preferably movable or slidable along at least the intermediate span 38 so that a distance between adjacent connectors 52a and 52b may be selectively varied as desired and the apparatus 10 is thereby adaptable for suiting various equipment and or large and small signs alike. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 the signage is suspended from the apparatus 10 connectors 52 via wire clips 56. [0054] As seen in Figure 6 the connection means may further comprise a connector 52c distal to the first portion 13. Connector 52c may comprise a ring 52c fixed in position which is suited for connecting with a chain, wire or rope for example. In use a chain may be run between two apparatus 10 installed opposed to one another across a mine passage for example, thereby limiting entry to an area in the mine. [0055] The ring 52c may also serve to stop the movable connectors 52b from sliding off the member 32. Further, the ring 52c may be used for storing and/or transporting the second portion 15 between different working areas as required. A loop of chain may be used to hook the second portion 15 to a jumbo or other mining machinery for 12 transporting at least the second portion 15 from a mine area which no longer requires signage 25 to be displayed or equipment 25 to be supported. [0056] It should be understood that the plurality of connectors 52 provide a plurality of connecting points 52a, 52b, 52c for enabling signage/equipment of various sizes to be connected to and disconnected from the member 32 with ease. [0057] It should also be understood that due to the pivoting movement of the member 32 a peripheral end may be moved closer to or further away from the rock body 40. It is envisaged that this movement may be used to allow in use, an operator to arrange the apparatus 10 of the present invention in a desirable position for prominently displaying signage 25 for example. [0058] Alternatively the pivoting movement of the apparatus 10 may be used to locate supported equipment 25 close to the rock body 40 and out of the way of passing traffic or workers. [0059] In use, one or more bore holes are drilled into a rock body 40 wall of a mine or other underground environment where equipment 25 or signage 25 is to be supported and/or displayed. Once a bore hole is drilled, the distal end 14 of the first portion 13 is positioned within the bore hole and oriented with the surface 20 aligned in a generally horizontal plane before being forceably urged into the bore hole by an operator using a hammer or other similar tool. The first portion 13 is inserted until a substantial interference fit is achieved between the wall 18 and the surface of the bore hole or the surface 20 abuts the rock body. At this point the anchor means are substantially disposed within the bore hole and the proximal end 16 substantially protrudes from the rock body 40. [0060] Once the first portion 13 is fitted in position in the bore hole the second portion 15 may then be fitted to the first portion 13 via the engagement means. Either the first or second span 34, 36 is placed into the orifice 24 and substantially passed 13 therethrough. Once in the engaged position the second portion 15 may be pivoted about the orifice 24 to a desired position. [00611 Equipment 25 such as cables, conduits or signs for example may then be attached to the second portion 15 via the support means and/or the connection means and connectors 52. Typically cable and conduits are positioned on an upper portion of the elongate member 32 such that they are supported underneath by the connectors 52 and/or the member 32 itself. Signage to be displayed is typically positioned below the member 32 and suspended therefore by connectors 52. [0062] The sliding connectors 52b enable the apparatus 10 to be quickly and easily arranged to suit signs of differing sizes using a wire clip 56 which is known in the art for positively holding a sign in a desired position with respect to the apparatus 10. [0063] When the apparatus 10 is no longer required to be used, the elongate member 32 may be pivoted so that a sign 25 is no longer prominently displayed, or once equipment 25 is removed the elongate member 32 may be pushed substantially flat against the rock body 40. Alternatively the whole second portion 15 may be entirely removed from the first portion 13 by disengaging the engagement means and lifting the span 34, 36 from the orifice 24. The second portion 15 may be transferred for reuse with a different first portion 13 in another part of the mine or workplace for example. Alternatively the second portion 15 may be placed in storage or on jumbo equipment itself via the connector 52c or a chain attached thereto. [0064] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 14