AU2019200506A1 - A Signal Mounting Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A signal mounting device comprising a track mounting element and a signal mounting element, wherein the track mounting element is configured to enable the removable mounting of the device to a railway track element, and the signal mounting element enables mounting of a signal apparatus to the device.

Description

A SIGNAL MOUNTING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to railway safety. In particular, it concerns a railway signal device with a rail track engaging base adapted for quick deployment and removal from the railway track.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Prior art railway signalling devices are well known. They include all manner of devices such as hand held flags, electro-mechanically operated semaphore signals and single colour or double coloured illuminated lamps. Although most of these are located overhead or suspended above the train line, there can often arise a need for a signalling device at track or ground level. These signals are often referred to as shunting signals and are usually smaller than the abovementioned main signals. They are mainly used where the train is to move slowly such as in a shunting yard or goods siding or where there has been some disturbance to the track requiring the locomotive to creep along at low speed. In other cases, a temporary or emergency signal may be required such as where there has been a change in track safety or conditions.

[0003] Often, the temporary signal may simply comprise a support cone and a flag associated with or supported by the cone. In some alternative means, the signal flag may be simply inserted into the railway ballast. One problem with this improvised arrangement is that it is easily dismantled in strong wind or by air displaced by an approaching train, i.e. where the moving air of the approaching train may knock the flag out of the ballast or cone.

[0004] The prior art signal means also require the carrying of multiple flags as well as support cones. These support cones represent an awkward and cumbersome piece of equipment for railway personnel to carry. In certain situations, it may be necessary for these cones to be carried a significant distance, particularly when there is limited or no access to the signal site for utility vehicles.

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As a result, the railway personnel may need to make multiple long-distance trips in order to transport the support cones and associated flags (or other signal apparatus) to the appropriate site. This can consume an unnecessarily large amount of time, which delays the maintenance, construction or other work that needs to be performed.

[0005] There is often a need by railway personnel, including maintenance workers, safety personnel and other qualified staff to leave a colour-coded tag, written message or record with the temporary or emergency signal. Railway personnel often write messages on paper which are simply held down by nearby ballast rocks. Unfortunately, these items can be blown away, lost or destroyed during inclement weather. Other message tags may be mounted to the signal flags or support cones, but again these may be dislodged in the same manner as the flags and cones.

[0006] In other instances - particularly when a signal is a warning calling for immediate stoppage of the rolling stock - a prior art railway track signal, such as a railway detonator, may be used. The railway detonator is a small explosive charge adapted to detonate upon application of pressure. In use, the railway detonator is attached to the upper surface of the rail and, upon being run over by the wheel of rolling stock, the railway detonator will detonate, thereby providing an audible warning to the driver of the rolling stock.

[0007] Although usage may differ between countries, the railway detonator is typically implemented as a series placed along a rail with a known distance between each detonator. By having a set number of detonators, with a set distance between each one, a driver who activates at least a part of the series of detonators may be able to estimate how far they have to stop or otherwise be made aware of a situation of the rail ahead. In conventional use a prior art visual signal will also be placed in the driver's line of vision.

[0008] This prior art signalling device allows for transmission of a warning even to distracted drivers. However, the prior art railway detonator is deficient in that it provides no visual cue to a driver, while the prior art visual signals suffer from the deficiencies discussed above. As a railway detonator's charge must be small

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 enough that the detonation will not damage the rolling stock, the device itself is typically small and thus not immediately visible to the operator of rolling stock travelling above a certain speed. As railway detonators are typically designed to be rapidly implemented, there is a clear need for a rapidly-installable visual aid that can provide a visible signal to rolling stock operators to accompany the audible signalling of the railway detonator.

[0009] Therefore, there is a clear and apparent need for a way to support, mount or display a signal apparatus (such as a sign, signal flag or signal light) alongside railway tracks in a way that is secure, easy to deploy and remove, and is not going to interfere with the passage of rolling stock, such as train carriages.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a means of achieving these advantages, and to seek to ameliorate, eliminate, negate or otherwise minimise the substantial disadvantages associated with prior art signal display methods and means.

DEFINITIONS [0011] As used herein, rolling stock refers to a vehicle that is adapted to engage with and travel along a railway. This may include specialised railway-traversing vehicles including rail trains, handcars, pump trolleys, carriages and other railcars and rolling stock of varying functionality. This may also include multi-purpose vehicles such as road vehicles fitted with secondary wheel elements adapted for engaging with railways.

[0012] As used herein, railway track element refers to the separate elements used in the construction of railway track, inclusive of rails, sleepers, fasteners and ballast. The rail comprises the (typically metallic) longitudinally directed elements of the railway track, generally with an I-beam type cross section comprising a head, web and base, which directly engage with rolling stock; the sleepers comprise the longitudinally-spaced, lateral beams that sit beneath the rail; the fasteners comprise the means of fixing the rail in place and the ballast comprises

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 the gravel, sand, concrete or other material that provide a support base and stability to the railway track.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] In one aspect, the present invention comprises a signal mounting device comprising a track mounting element and a signal mounting element, wherein the track mounting element is configured to enable the removable mounting of the device to a railway track element and the signal mounting element enables mounting of a signal apparatus to the device.

[0014] In an embodiment the track mounting element is further configured to mount to a railway track element such that the device does not obstruct, inhibit, occlude, prevent or otherwise interfere with the movement of rolling stock.

[0015] In an embodiment the railway track element is a rail comprising a head, a vertical web and a base, and the track mounting element comprises a horizontal recess comprising an upper and lower jaw configured to removably engage with the rail base. In an embodiment the lower jaw is shaped to at least partially extend under the rail base upon engagement of the device with the rail. In an embodiment the upper jaw is shaped to at least partially abut against the vertical web of the rail upon engagement of the device with the rail.

[0016] In an embodiment the signal mounting element comprises a hole, slot, opening or cavity configured to receive a mounting portion of the signal apparatus.

[0017] In an embodiment the signal mounting element comprises a shear means configured to enable shearing of a mounted signal apparatus upon application of a lateral force to the signal apparatus. In an alternative embodiment the signal apparatus further comprises an internal shear point configured to fail and shear upon application of a lateral force to the signal apparatus.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0018] In an embodiment the device further comprises an attachment point for the mounting, clipping or otherwise attachment of a card, plate, tag or other form of information display means.

[0019] In an embodiment the device further comprises one or more sensors. In an embodiment the device further comprises one or more transmitters. In an embodiment the transmitter is configured to transmit data and/or information to another transmitter or a receiver.

[0020] In a second aspect, the invention comprises a track-mounted signal apparatus comprising a signal element and a track mounting element, wherein the track mounting element is configured to enable the removable mounting of the device to a railway track element and the signal element comprises one or more signal means configured to signal and/or alert a user.

[0021] In an embodiment the track mounting element is further configured to mount to a railway track element such that the device does not obstruct, inhibit, occlude, prevent or otherwise interfere with the movement of rolling stock.

[0022] In an embodiment the railway track element is a rail comprising a head, a vertical web and a base, and the track mounting element comprises a horizontal recess comprising an upper and lower jaw configured to removably engage with the rail base. In a further embodiment the lower jaw is shaped to at least partially extend under the rail base upon engagement of the device with the rail. In a further embodiment the upper jaw is shaped to at least partially abut against the vertical web of the rail upon engagement of the device with the rail.

[0023] In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a shear point configured to fail and shear upon application of a lateral force to the signal apparatus.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0024] In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises an attachment point for the mounting, clipping or otherwise attachment of a card, plate, tag or other form of information display means.

[0025] In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises one or more sensors. In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises one or more transmitters. In an embodiment the transmitter is configured to transmit data and/or information to another transmitter or a receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] In order that the invention be better understood and put into practice, reference will be made to the following drawings and diagrams wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a signal mounting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the signal mounting device positioned on a rail track;

[0029] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the signal mounting device used to signal a train driver, with the rolling stock approaching the device;

[0030] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the signal mounting device as a broken flag, with the rolling stock having passed the device;

[0031] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the device incorporating one or more sensors; and [0032] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the device incorporating one or more transmitters.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT [0033] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an embodiment of a signal mounting device 10 comprising a track mounting element 12 and a signal mounting element 14. In at least one embodiment of the invention the track mounting element 12 is configured to enable the removable mounting of the device 10 to a railway track element. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the signal mounting element 14 enables the removable mounting of a signal apparatus 15 to the device 10 for the signalling of a person or persons.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the signal apparatus 15 is represented by a flagpole and signal flag, however the signal apparatus may comprise any form of signalling means including a flag, siren, alarm, light, sign or other means for signalling, alerting or otherwise attracting the attention of a person or persons without departing from the object or scope of the invention. Similarly, the person or persons to be signalled may be railway construction and maintenance personnel, rolling stock crew, emergency services personnel, utilities service personnel, civilians, passengers or any other persons, without departing from the object or scope of the invention.

[0035] The present embodiment of the invention permits for the rapid alteration of the signal apparatus 15. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the signal apparatus 15 may be simply removed from the signal mounting element 14 of the device 10 and replaced with an alternate signal apparatus 15.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 and signal apparatus 15 may be combined, integrated or otherwise be of a unitary construction without the need fora signal mounting element 14, which is depicted in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 as a hole adapted to receive the flagpole of the signal apparatus 15. In such an embodiment, the device 10 may comprise a track mounting element 12 that is connected, attached, formed of or shaped into the base of the signal apparatus 15. Although these embodiments may not be easily adapted to multiple separate signals (as the signal apparatus 15 is not separable from the signal mounting device 10), these embodiments of the

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 invention may provide advantage in limiting the number of items that need to be carried at any one time.

[0037] In at least one embodiment of the invention, the mounting of the device 10 to a railway track element may provide an easy and intuitive process for the temporary mounting of a signal apparatus for relevant personnel on or near to a particular section of railway. This may allow for temporary signage, flags and/or other signals to be rapidly deployed and removed as necessary. This may allow for a rapid response to situations that may arise during the ongoing life of a section of railway. Furthermore, the device 10 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may have a clear advantage over signage that requires significant time and effort to securely erect, such as signage that requires a post being driven into ground or ballast in order to erect.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 may be configured so as to mount to a railway track element such that its presence does not obstruct, occlude, prevent or otherwise interfere with the movement of rolling stock. This may permit for the mounting of the device of the present invention to 'active' rail track, being rail track that is traversed by rolling stock and may be distinguished from disused or decommissioned railway sections. In at least the present embodiment, the device 10 may thus enable the mounting of a signal apparatus to active rail track sections without the need to unmount the signal apparatus or signal mounting device to permit the passage of rolling stock.

[0039] Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention, wherein the device 10 may be configured to mount to a rail 16 that is resting atop ballast 18. In at least one embodiment and in order to prevent the obstruction or interference of movement of rolling stock, the present invention may mount to a base 16a of the rail 16. As the casters of rolling stock engage with the head of a rail 16, which is separated from the base 16a by the vertically-oriented rail web 16b, removable mounting of the device 10 to the rail base 16a may serve to prevent the interference of the passage of rolling stock.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0040] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the track mounting element 12 may comprise a recess bounded by an upper jaw 12a and lower jaw 12b. The upper and lower jaws 12a, 12b may be configured to sit above and below the rail base 16a when the device 10 is mounted to the rail 16. In a further embodiment of the invention, the upper jaw 12a may be of shorter length than the lower jaw 12b. In an embodiment, the upper jaw 12a may be further configured to abut the vertical web 16b of the rail track 16.

[0041] Without limiting the scope of the invention, it is understood that an embodiment of the device 10 comprising an upper jaw 12a configured to abut the rail web 16b and a lower jaw 12b configured to be at least slightly longer than the upper jaw 12a may allow for increased stability and security of the device 10 in a mounted position. As is shown in Figure 2, a longer lower jaw 12b will press against the underside of the rail base 16a and be at least partially encapsulated on its lower surfaces by ballast 18. It is understood that such a configuration may allow for the device 10 to be effectively pinned in place by the weight of the rail 16 against the ballast 18. This may serve to increase the stability and security of the device 10 and subsequently allow for more stable display of the signal apparatus 15.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 may further comprise an attachment point 13 for attachment of an information display means 11. The information display means 11 may be used for the display of pertinent information. The information may be warnings, weather reports, stability, train passing count or any other information that may need to be displayed for railway personnel. The information display means 11 may comprise a tag, card, plate or other form of display surface that is attached to or mounted upon the device 10. The attachment point may comprise a clip, a pair of opposed jaws urged shut through the use of a spring element, a hook, an eye or any other means of attachment. One embodiment is shown in Figure 1, wherein the attachment point 13 comprises an eyelet and the information display means 11 comprises an information card that is tethered to the eyelet.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0043] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the information display means may be integrated with the device 10. This may negate the need for the attachment point 13, or may alternatively allow for the attachment of multiple information display means 11.

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, the signal mounting element 14 may comprise a hole, slot, opening or cavity configured to receive a mounting portion of the signal apparatus 15. The signal mounting element 14 may further comprise a means of fixedly restraining the signal apparatus into a mounted configuration. This means may comprise screw threads, locking pins, a tightening collar or a means of using friction to retain the signal apparatus 15 in a mounted configuration.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention comprising separate and separable signal apparatus 15 and signal mounting device 10, the signal mounting element 14 of the device 10 may provide a shear means for shearing and removal of the signal apparatus 15 in the event that the signal apparatus 15 encounters rolling stock 20. Although at least an embodiment of the device 10 is configured to mount to a railway track element such that it may not interfere with the passage of rolling stock 20, the configuration of a shear means in the signal mounting element 14 may provide a failsafe in the event that, by way of non-limiting example, a larger-than-expected rolling stock 20 traverses the railway, the signal apparatus 15 is not properly mounted, or through some other scenario the signal apparatus is subjected to forces imparted by the rolling stock 20.

[0046] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the signal apparatus 15 may comprise an internal shear point, wherein the signal apparatus may be designed to shear internally. This embodiment may be incorporated into embodiments of the invention wherein the signal apparatus 15 and device 10 are separate and separable, or may be similarly used in embodiments wherein the device 10 and signal apparatus 15 are of unitary or joined construction.

[0047] Each of these alternate means of implementing shear points may serve to ensure that, in the event that the signal apparatus 15 encounters rolling stock 20, the device 10 may avoid getting launched, damaged or displaced through the

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 transmittal of forces. An embodiment of a shear point may therefore provide some protection to the device 10.

[0048] In one embodiment, the device of the present invention may be used in conjunction with railway detonators. One embodiment of the device 10 used in conjunction with three railway detonators 26a, 26b, 26c is shown in Figure 3. The depiction therein shows the railway detonators 26a, 26b, 26c on the right-hand rail in the direction of travel, while the signal apparatus 15 and device 10 are mounted on the left-hand side. Although the shown embodiment is arranged for rolling stock wherein the driver is on the left side of a vehicle, the device 10 may be equally implemented on either side of the railway track.

[0049] As depicted, a rolling stock 20 encounters a series of railway detonators 26a, 26b, 26c and signal apparatus 15 (represented therein as a flag). Although not depicted to scale in Figure 3, there is a set distance between each of the three railway detonators 26a, 26b, 26c and between railway detonator 26c and the signal apparatus 16. In at least this embodiment, the device 10 and signal apparatus 15 may provide a visual cue to the driver of the rolling stock 20, supplementing the audible signals provided by the railway detonators 26a, 26b, 26c. As is depicted by Figure 3, in at least the present embodiment the device 10 may be placed on the inside of the rail. In this manner the signal apparatus 15 is intentionally placed in the path of the rolling stock 20. When arranged in such a manner, damage to the signal apparatus 15 may provide an immediate visual indicator to an observer that a rolling stock 20 has, at some point in the past, travelled through the particular section of railway. Given the small size of a typical railway detonator, the provision of a larger visual aid may be of value to railway personnel for ease of monitoring railway networks.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the device 10 adapted for use in conjunction with at least one railway detonator (not shown). The rolling stock 20, having passed over and triggered the railway detonator, has also passed over the signal apparatus 15 and broken it. In at least the present embodiment, the signal apparatus 15 or device 10 may incorporate an intentional shear point to aid in the breaking of the signal apparatus 15 without damaging, destroying or launching the device 10, as is shown in Figure 4.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0051] In an embodiment of the present invention the device 10 may be at least partially comprised of a weather-resistant material. In an embodiment the weather-resistant material may comprise one or more of metals, plastics or ceramics adapted to resist wind, rain and other potentially damaging weather. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 may be wholly or partially comprised of a UV-resistant material, wherein the device may be resistant to losing strength, toughness or integrity when exposed to sources of UV light for extended periods of time. In an embodiment this may extend the lifespan of the device by increasing the amount of UV light exposure required to degrade the material of the device below an acceptable level. In some embodiments, an 'acceptable level' may refer to a level of strength, toughness and/or device integrity that enables the device to withstand typical use or operation [0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the colour of the device may be used for additional signalling purposes. Alternatively, different coloured plastics may be used and/or associated with different tasks, personnel teams, geographic areas, situations, project stages or may be otherwise used to denote different aspects.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 5, the signal mounting device 10 may further comprise one or more sensors 22. The sensor may be a surface-mounted sensor 22a, mounted to a surface of the device 10. The device 10 may comprise an internal space for housing the sensor22 as an internal sensor 22b, represented in Figure 5 by dashed lines. Alternatively, the sensor may be incorporated into, or otherwise a component of, the signal apparatus 15 as a signal-mounted sensor 22c. Further alternatively the sensor 22 may be otherwise integrated into the device 10. The sensor 22 may comprise one or more of a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, weather sensor, pressure sensor, thermal sensor, vibration sensor, motion sensor, optical sensor, audio sensor or any form of sensor that may be reasonably considered to be sensor equipment of value in the construction, maintenance and monitoring of a railway.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0054] In a further embodiment wherein the signal apparatus 15 comprises one or more electrical or electronic signals, such as a light, alarm, beacon or other form of'active' signal, the sensor 22 may be connected to the signal apparatus 15 and may be configured to activate, deactivate or modulate the signal of the signal apparatus 15 based upon sensory input. By way of non-limiting example, a signal light and alarm may be activated by a sensor 22 that senses an approaching rolling stock 20, and may be deactivated once the sensor 22 determines that the rolling stock 20 has passed. There may be other uses fora sensor-controlled, configured or modulated signal apparatus 15 that are not described herein but do not depart from the scope or object of the invention.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 6, the signal mounting device 10 may further comprise one or more transmitters 24. The transmitter may be a surface-mounted transmitter 24a, mounted to a surface of the device 10. The device 10 may comprise an internal space for housing the transmitter 24 as an internal transmitter 24b, represented in Figure 5 by dashed lines. Alternatively, the transmitter may be incorporated into, or otherwise a component of, the signal apparatus 15 as a signal-mounted transmitter 24c. Further alternatively the transmitter 24 may be otherwise integrated into the device 10. The transmitter 24 may comprise one or more of an electrical transmitter, digital transmitter, pressure transmitter, wireless transmitter, light transmitter, radio transmitter, microwave transmitter or any other form of transmitter that is used for the purposes of transmitting information and/or data without departing from the scope or object of the invention.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the present invention the transmitter 24 may comprise connective capability wherein one or more of the present devices 10 may communicate to one another through wired or wireless connection means. In an embodiment of the present invention the transmitter 24 may be adapted to connect the device 10 to an external computer or other form of computing device, either through a wired or wireless connection. The computing device may include a tablet, server, smart device or a handheld computing device. The transmitters 24 may be connected to one another or to an external computer or computing device through a communication network. In a further embodiment, multiple

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 devices 10 may be networked through the transmitters to establish an 'Internet of Things'. The network of devices 10 may include external computers, computing devices, smart devices or other apparati.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the signal apparatus 15 comprises one or more electrical or electronic signals, such as a light, alarm, beacon or other form of 'active' signal, the transmitter 24 may be adapted to allow a user to remotely configure or control the signal apparatus 15. By way of non-limiting example, this may enable a user to activate or deactivate a signal light, or activate or deactivate an alarm. There may be other uses for being able to transmit control or configuration signals to the transmitter 24 that are not described herein, but are still within the scope or object of the invention.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the device may comprise both one or more sensors 22 and one or more transmitters 24. In this manner, the device 10 may enable the device 10 to collect information through the one or more sensors 22 and transmit this information through the one or more transmitters 24. The information may be transmitted to other devices 10, a central server, a computer, a smart device or another form of receiver. This may enable for the establishment of a network of sensors 22 incorporated into a plurality of devices 10 that are mounted around and along the railway line. This may allow for the collection, transmittal and collation of data and/or information from multiple points around a railway line.

[0059] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms, variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, components and/or devices referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0060] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word comprising is not intended to have the exclusive meaning of the word such as consisting only of, but rather has the non-exclusive meaning, in the sense of including at least. The same applies, with corresponding grammatical changes, to other forms of the word such as comprise, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms, device and apparatus used where contextually appropriate are taken to be interchangeable in reference to the invention whether it be of one piece or unitary construction or comprised of a working combination of separate interacting components or parts.

[0062] Although not required, the embodiments described with reference to the method, computer program, data signal and aspects of the system can be implemented via an application programming interface (API), an application development kit (ADK) or as a series of program libraries, for use by a developer, for the creation of software applications which are to be used on any one or more computing platforms or devices, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computing system, operating system, or within a larger server structure, such as a 'data farm' or within a larger transaction processing system.

[0063] It will also be appreciated that where methods and systems of the present invention and/or embodiments are implemented by computing systems or partly implemented by computing systems then any appropriate computing system architecture may be utilised. This includes standalone computers, network computers and dedicated computing devices (such as field-programmable gate arrays).

[0064] Where the terms computer, computing system and computing device are used in the specification, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate arrangement of computer hardware for implementing the inventive concept and/or embodiments described herein.

2019200506 25 Jan 2019 [0065] Where reference is made to communication standards, methods and/or systems, robots or devices may transmit and receive data via a variety of forms: 3G, 4G, 5G, (CDMA/GSM), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other radio frequency, optical, acoustic, magnetic, GPS/GPRS, or any other form or method of communication that may become available from time to time.

[0066] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0067] The present invention as disclosed is applicable to a railway industry that utilises temporary or portable track level signalling devices as well as conventional prior art railway signals.

Claims (22)

1. A signal mounting device comprising:

a track mounting element; and a signal mounting element;

wherein the track mounting element is configured to enable the removable mounting of the device to a railway track element; and the signal mounting element enables a signal apparatus to be mounted to the device.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the track mounting element is further configured to mount to a railway track element such that the device does not obstruct, inhibit, occlude, prevent or otherwise interfere with the movement of rolling stock.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the railway track element is a rail comprising a head, a vertical web and a base; and the track mounting element comprises a horizontal recess comprising an upper and lower jaw configured to removably engage with the rail base.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the lower jaw is shaped to at least partially extend under the rail base upon engagement of the device with the rail.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the upper jaw is shaped to at least partially abut against the vertical web of the rail upon engagement of the device with the rail.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the signal mounting element comprises a hole, slot, opening or cavity configured to receive a mounting portion of the signal apparatus.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the signal mounting element comprises a shear means configured to enable shearing of a mounted signal apparatus upon application of a lateral force to the signal apparatus.

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8. The device of claim 1 wherein the signal apparatus further comprises an internal shear point configured to fail and shear upon application of a lateral force to the signal apparatus.

9. The device of claim 1 further comprising an attachment point for the mounting, clipping or otherwise attachment of a card, plate, tag or other form of information display means.

10. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more sensors.

11. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more transmitters.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit data and/or information to another transmitter or a receiver.

13. A track-mounted signal apparatus comprising a signal element and a track mounting element;

wherein the track mounting element is configured to enable the removable mounting of the device to a railway track element; and the signal element comprises one or more signal means configured to signal and/or alert a user.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the track mounting element is further configured to mount to a railway track element such that the device does not obstruct, inhibit, occlude, prevent or otherwise interfere with the movement of rolling stock.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the railway track element is a rail comprising a head, a vertical web and a base; and the track mounting element comprises a horizontal recess comprising an upper and lower jaw configured to removably engage with the rail base.

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16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the lower jaw is shaped to at least partially extend under the rail base upon engagement of the device with the rail.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the upper jaw is shaped to at least partially abut against the vertical web of the rail upon engagement of the device with the rail.

18. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a shear point configured to fail and shear upon application of a lateral force to the signal apparatus.

19. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising an attachment point for the mounting, clipping or otherwise attachment of a card, plate, tag or other form of information display means.

20. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising one or more sensors.

21. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising one or more transmitters.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit data and/or information to another transmitter or a receiver.