Rail fastening apparatus

Abstract

An elongated rail fastener apparatus for use near an obstacle such as a guard rail, or other location where space is restricted. The fastener preferably extends past the obstacle and is provided with a shoulder having at least one elevated notch, positioned to allow installation of the clip with a vertical and lateral movement, and without the application of a large force perpendicular to the rail. A U-shaped embodiment of the fastener is also described.

Claims

1. A rail fastening apparatus to restrain a rail flange on a tie plate, comprising: a first retainer mounted on the tie plate near the rail flange; a first shoulder mounted on the tie plate at a distance from the first retainer, the first shoulder comprising a first notch in a side surface of the first shoulder, above an upper surface of the tie plate; and an elongated resilient fastener having a heel end and a toe end, and a body length between the heel end and the toe end that is greater than the distance; wherein the elongated resilient fastener fits through the retainer and the heel end fits in the first notch on the first shoulder such that the toe end of the elongated resilient fastener restrains the rail flange; and wherein the heel end is inserted into the first notch by lifting the heel end and moving the heal end laterally to the first notch.

2. The rail fastening apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shoulder further comprises: a second notch between the first notch and the tie plate; wherein the heel end is lifted and moved laterally to the second notch before being further lifted and moved laterally to the first notch.

3. The rail fastening apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second retainer mounted on the tie plate, spaced from the first retainer; a second shoulder mounted on the tie plate spaced from the second retainer; wherein the elongated resilient fastener has a U-shape, comprising first and second elongated leg members separated by a base member; and the first elongated leg member fits through the first retainer and in the notch in the first shoulder and the second elongated leg member fits through the second retainer and in a notch on the second shoulder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) At least one mode for carrying out the invention in terms of one or more examples will be described by reference to the drawings thereof in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an end view of a typical rail assembly in the area of a guard rail;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fastener apparatus of the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of the fastener apparatus in a resting position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of the fastener apparatus in an engaged position; and

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fastener apparatus of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION IN TERMS OF EXAMPLE(S)

(7) An embodiment of the rail fastening apparatus of the invention is shown in FIG. 2, in place around an obstacle, such as rail chair 10, near a running rail 12. The fastening apparatus comprises fastener 14, being a relatively elongated bar or rod shaped piece of a suitably resilient material, with a toe end 16 separated from a heel end 18 by a central portion 20. The toe end 16 is preferably slightly tapered or angled, allowing it to slide more easily on to the flange 22 of rail 12. Heel end 18 may be relatively straight or may have a bend or curl. It is preferred that any bend not be directed significantly upwards once the fastener 14 is installed, as having an upward-pointing piece may pose a danger to workers or passersby.

(8) A shoulder 24 is provided on tie plate 26, spaced from the rail 12. The exact separation distance will depend on the length of the fastener 14, but the shoulder 24 will be located near the heel end 18 of the fastener 14, when it is in place on the rail flange 22. Shoulder 24 is preferably provided with a pair of notches 28, 30, of which one is slightly more elevated than the other. Alternatively, shoulder 24 may be provided with a single notch 30, which is elevated above the surface of tie plate 26.

(9) A retainer 32 may be provided on tie plate 26 between rail 12 and shoulder 24. In the embodiment shown, the retainer 32 is an inverted U-shape, but it will be understood that the retainer may be provided with an open side, which may simplify installation of the fastener 14.

(10) The length of fastener 14 is selected such that the shoulder 24 can be located towards the rear of the rail chair 10, or otherwise away from any other components that might otherwise physically prevent access to the shoulder 24. This facilitates installation of the fastener 14. It will be understood that the location(s) of the shoulder 24 may be selected to optimize the ability to restrain the rail. For example, the fastener 14 may be placed on either or both sides of a rail chair or other obstacle, or may be placed between any two proximate obstacles.

(11) Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fastener 14 is installed by inserting it through retainer 32, such that toe end 16 rests on or near rail flange 22. Heel end 18 is placed in a resting position, either on the tie plate 26 or lower shoulder notch 28.

(12) In this resting position, rail 12 may be adjusted as needed. Once it is desired to hold down rail 12, fastener 14 is moved to engage toe end 16 with rail flange 22, if it is not already so engaged, and a suitable levering mechanism is used to move heel end 18 vertically and laterally, so as to engage with shoulder notch 30. In this engaged position, fastener 14 is retained at a downward angle from shoulder 24 through retainer 32, such that toe end 16 applies a downward force to rail flange 22. The fastener 14 is thus exerting a sufficient toe load on rail flange 22 to restrain the rail 12.

(13) The configuration of the rail fastener apparatus has several benefits. As the fastener is installed primarily through a slight vertical lift and a lateral movement, it is unnecessary to apply a driving force perpendicular to the rail axis, or indeed any driving force at all. The ability to apply a force directly to the body of the fastener, rather than on an end, which would usually be a smaller cross-sectional area, also makes it easier to apply the force in the right area. This in turn avoids possible damage that might be caused, for example, by driving a clip incorrectly and having it unexpectedly spring off the rail flange. In addition, a simple levering tool may be used to install the fastener 14; no specialized tool is required. Finally, the application of a relatively small vertical and lateral force means that less brute strength is required of a person installing the fastener.

(14) The fastener 14 is illustrated as being a bar having a round section. However, it will be understood that other cross-sections, such as square or flat, may also be used.

(15) In another embodiment, best shown in FIG. 5, the fastener 14a may be U-shaped, comprising a base 34 connecting a first leg 36 and a second leg 38, where the first and second legs 36, 38 are essentially similar in configuration to fastener 14 described earlier. This U-shaped configuration allows a fastener 14a to be easily installed on both sides of an obstacle such as rail chair 10. In this embodiment, separate shoulders 24a, 24b may be provided for the each leg 36, 38, such that the fastener 14a is installed by then lifting each leg 36, 38 onto a notch 30a in its respective shoulder 24a, 24b. Alternatively, a single shoulder (not shown) may be provided along the base, such that the fastener 14a may be more easily installed by lifting only the base 34 into the notch on that shoulder. Such embodiments may be selected as appropriate, having regard to the size of the relevant obstacle and the required toe load for a given application, while providing resistance to longitudinal forces and allowing the proper degree of resilience in the rail.

(16) In the foregoing description, exemplary modes for carrying out the invention in terms of examples have been described. However, the scope of the claims should not be limited by those examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.